YOUNGSTERS took to the track to race buggies they had built themselves as part of a new Prince’s Trust scheme.

Teams from Blackburn and Burnley took part in the event at BAE Systems Samlesbury Aerodrome.

Fourteen youngsters took part in the event, the culmination of a ‘tactical engineering development’ scheme run by the Army, the Young People’s Service, and the Prince’s Trust.

The 14-week course aimed to teach under-privileged teenagers basic automotive mechanical engineering skills.

David Heginbotham, Mayor of Burnley, described the races as “exciting and interesting” and praised the scheme.

Karimeh Foster, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, said: “The scheme teaches young people discipline, understanding, and new skills.”

There have been 4 TED projects this year, with higher than 80 percent success rates, in getting youngsters into further education and training.

Two people from the scheme have already secured full-time jobs.

Becky Bradshaw, 17, from Burnley, who is going to be a supply specialist for the Royal Logistics Corp, said: “The project gave me an insight into the Army.”

Sue Littlefair, representing The Prince’s Trust, said: “I think this is a really fantastic partnership and a very innovative project.”