Military personnel were given a small donation from Uttlesford District Council to say ‘thank you’ for their support during a motoring scheme for youngsters.

Carver Barracks, near Wimbish, once again played host to the Motorwise event which gives teenagers a taste of how to stay safe on the roads.

Gaynor Bradley, the council’s community development manager, presented a cheque for £200 to the REME workshop on Tuesday (October 14). The money will be used for the benefit of the soldiers.

Members of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) workshop and the Royal Engineers offered their skills and time to provide hundreds of students with driving and basic car maintenance tips during the seven-day initiative.

Motorwise highlights to teenagers the practicalities and responsibilities associated with driving. As well as offering basic car maintenance, the course includes hazard awareness and driving techniques, while also giving students the chance to drive a car with the help of a qualified instructor.

About 800 students aged 16-17 from every secondary school in Uttlesford took part in the programme.

Major Rich Naivalurua, officer commanding 29 explosive ordnance disposal and search group workshop REME, said: “Uttlesford District Council have made a valuable donation to the REME workshop to reflect the participation in making Motorwise 2014 a success.

“We get great support from the local community and we like to be able to contribute something back – so we are delighted to have been some assistance to the event. I know the lads who took part really enjoyed it.”

Martin Ford, who delivered the event on behalf of the Uttlesford Community Safety Partnership (CSP), said: “This small donation is our way of saying a big ‘thank you’ for the assistance the Army gave to Motorwise this year. Once again they provided members of REME and Royal Engineers who offered motor maintenance guidance for the students.

“I would like to say thank you to the Army for its continued support of Motorwise.”