YOUNG car thieves are being given the chance to take part in a driving awareness course to change their ways.

The youngsters, who are sent on the course by the probation service and youth offending team, are being taught the error of their ways at Worcester YMCA.

Young offenders are not only made aware of the dangers of their conduct but take their driving theory test.

"We hit them hard and ask them how they would feel if someone stole their car," said Gerard Veness, deputy director of the YMCA.

"For example, someone may go into a hospital car park and take a car and think it is a laugh.

"What they may not realise is that someone has gone into hospital to visit someone close to them who is dying of cancer, then they come out to find their car gone.

"Or maybe someone needs their car to go into hospital on a regular basis, and they are deeply affected when their car is stolen.

"A lot try and say what they have done is OK, because people have insurance, but we have a discussion about it with them.

"For instance, people have to pay a higher premium."

Mr Veness, who was a driving instructor for the BSM firm from 1993 to 1995, said the course helps youngsters to pass the driving theory test.

"Some youngsters can have literacy problems so we also offer them a literacy qualification," he said.

"This gives them an added bonus and can help them gain employment.

"If youngsters pass the theory part and meet criteria from The Prince's Trust, they may be eligible for driving lessons from a driving school.

"To meet the criteria, they have to be aged 16 to 25, from a poor background, and prove the driving experience they are going to get is for a job."

Mr Veness said the course, due to start next Tuesday at 1pm, was put together two years ago with Worcester Sixth Form College and West Mercia Probation service.

"It's been well-attended," he said. "The youngsters get into it and support it because they want to get a driving licence."