Sixth form students from Sawtry Village Academy are celebrating after completing a course designed to increase road awareness skills.

The students are the first from the academy to have successfully completed the Cambs Drive IQ scheme, which consists of a virtual driving experience that aims to increase road awareness skills for those who have passed their test.

The students were presented with their certificates by Cambridgeshire police and crime commissioner, Jason Ablewhite, at a ceremony hosted by the school.

Mr Ablewhite said: “I would like to congratulate all the students who have completed the Drive IQ course. The harsh reality is that one in five new drivers has a crash within 12 months of passing their test.

“I believe that this virtual, online course will increase their competence, making them better drivers and reducing the chance of being involved in an accident while they gain confidence as drivers.”

The scheme has been tailored to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough using funding from the police and crime commissioner and is being delivered in schools and colleges by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership.

Principal of Sawtry Village Academy, Sarah Wilson, said: “I am so pleased to see our students become more confident, capable and safe drivers. It is a great achievement and they should all be very proud.

“We hope other pupils will be encouraged to go on to also complete the scheme and gain the valuable skills it offers.”