PUPILS have been getting behind the wheel to get a head start with their driving skills thanks to a unique simulator.

It may be two years yet before the Year 11 pupils at Harper Green School, Farnworth, can get their driving licences but they had their first taste of life on the roads thanks to the equipment, provided for the day by motoring organisation RAC.

Coney Green High School, Radcliffe, and George Tomlinson School, Kearsley, are also testing out the equipment this week, which is designed to help people prepare for their driving lessons in complete safety.

Teacher Michael McVerry said: "This is an excellent initiative designed to develop pupils understanding of the joys and responsibilities involved in driving cars."

A driving simulator will also be available at driving tuition company BSM - part of the RAC - when it opens its centre in Newport Street on Friday.

Young players from Bolton Wanderers Academy will be on hand to officially open the centre.