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, is keen to encourage drivers aged 75 years and above to take part in these two hour sessions.

Ms Singleton, who lives near Sherborne, has a keen interest in supporting initiatives for the elderly and will be attending the first session.

It will be held at Castle Gardens in Sherborne and will cover subjects such as negotiating roundabouts, observations and distractions and looking at why things go wrong.

Ms Singleton, who will attend 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 and there is a £5 cost for these.

To book or find out more information visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dorsetdriverBLUE 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, is keen to encourage drivers aged 75 years and above to take part in these two hour sessions.

Ms Singleton, who lives near Sherborne, has a keen interest in supporting initiatives for the elderly and will be attending the first session.

It will be held at Castle Gardens in Sherborne and will cover subjects such as negotiating roundabouts, observations and distractions and looking at why things go wrong.

Ms Singleton, who will attend 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 and there is a £5 cost for these.

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, CastleGardens, 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.