A COMPUTER software publisher in Horwich has managed to get a major car firm to sponsor its latest product.

Absolute Entertainment has announced that the Ford Motor Company is to sponsor its innovative new learner driver CD-ROM: Pass Your Driving Test Safely Step By Step.

The tutorial CD uses 3D animation and video clips to demonstrate more than 150 practical driving lessons.

Ford is also supporting a section of the tutorial dedicated to guiding new drivers through the pitfalls of buying their first car -- and a dedicated web-link will take them to Ford's website.

Absolute Entertainment's managing director Chris Hodgen said: "We believe that Pass Your Driving Test Safely Step By Step is the most comprehensive learner driver product ever to hit the shelves and we are delighted to have Ford on board."

The tutorial's mix of computer generated animations combined with high quality video clips uses methods developed by Chris and his team of 12 full-time staff and two freelances at their base in Lee Lane, Horwich. All the animations are created in-house.

Each lesson on the full-sized CD tutorial can be viewed from up to four different camera angles, with easy-to-follow voice-over explanations accompanying each section. The CD also contains the official DSA theory test, hazard perception test and the full Highway Code, all under licence from the Driving Standards Agency.

Mr Hodgen said: "When you consider that the book version of what we have produced sells around 600,000 a year, we are looking for some good sales figures."

In addition to the driving CD, the company also has contracts with some of the world's best-known sports stars for similar products.

In the pipeline is a David Leadbetter Golf CD and DVD. This world-renowned golfing coach is already a bestseller in books and videos.

Mr Hodgen started his core business, Absolute Media Solutions, nearly two years ago. The company uses computer-aided graphics and software to produce corporate identities and websites.