BLUE Peter legend Valerie Singleton is behind a drive to encourage older motorists to brush up on their skills.

Dorset County Council is launching the spring older drivers’ theory sessions with the help of the 77-year-old former presenter of the children’s show who lives in the county.

Ms Singleton, who also presented Nationwide, The Money Programme and Radio 4’s PM programme, is keen to encourage drivers aged 75 years and above to take part in these sessions.

The first of these two-hour session will take place at Castle Gardens in Sherborne and covers subjects such as negotiating roundabouts, observations and distractions and looking at why things go wrong.

Ms Singleton, who will be attending the first session, said: “The course will help those drivers who learnt to drive in the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

“The emphasis is on friendly discussion and help to keep people mobile. Roads and driving have changed so much since we learnt to drive and this can wear away your confidence.

“This course is a great way to get that self-belief back.”

Kwik Fit representatives will also attend this session and will be offering a free chance to learn about checking over your car before the start of a journey.

There are ten sessions being held around the county throughout February and March. There is a cost for the theory sessions.

To book or find out more information visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dorsetdriver

 

Theory sessions to be held in Dorset:

February 25, 10am-12 noon, The Butterfly House, Castle Gardens, Sherborne -Valerie Singleton in attendance, Kwik Fit demo, Eyesight check

February 25, 2pm-4pm, The Butterfly House, Castle Gardens, Sherborne - Kwik Fit demo, Eyesight check

March 2, 10am-12 noon, The Gallery, SafeWise, Radipole Lane, Weymouth

March 2, 2pm-4pm, Drawing Room, Upton House, Poole Road, Poole

March 10, 10am-12 noon, West Brook Room, Gillingham Hub, Riversmeet, Gillingham

March 19, 2pm-4pm, Avery Room, Strouden Park Community Centre, Bradpole Road, Bournemouth

March 20, 2pm-4pm, Lecture Room, Dorchester Fire Station

March 24, 10am-12 noon, Drawing Room, Upton House, Poole Road, Poole

March 25, 2pm-4pm, Skyrm Room, Public Hall, Fleet Street, Beaminster

March 27, 10am-12 noon, Aviation Room, LV=Streetwise, Unit 1 Roundways, Elliot Road, Bournemouth