Not your usual Christmas gift

DON'T worry if you're struggling to find a present for the family petrolhead, because a Lancashire council has got into gear to create a gift with a difference.

Lancashire County Council's road safety team reckons its driving courses will make a great Christmas gift with a difference, and is calling on anyone keen to sharpen up their motoring skills to get in touch."

"Christmas shopping can be hard, especially when you are searching for a gift for the family member who has everything. If you would like to give them a unique gift, Lancashire County Council's Road Safety Group may have the answer," said a spokesperson for the county council.

"So whether you know someone who is not comfortable driving on the motorway, have a friend who has lost confidence on the road or just know somebody who would like to learn some new driving tips, the voucher will make an ideal Christmas gift."

The driving assessments, which last two hours, cost £65, and the voucher can be redeemed at any time, meaning they can be used as Christmas presents for motorists hoping to improve their techniques in 2010. Lancashire County Council believe the courses make an ideal gift for anyone with an interest in driving, or those who may feel uncomfortable with situations such as motorway driving.

The council is also offering a course to motorcyclists, which in an effort to reduce the number of bikers killed on the county's roads it is offering free of charge to anyone interested in getting involved.

If you'd like to take part in either of the courses or know someone who does, contact the Road Safety Group on 0800 328 1635 or email roadsafety@lancashire.gov.uk.

I actually think the course sounds like a great idea, so I've asked Lancashire County Council if they're prepared to let me have a go, purely in the interests of journalistic research of course.

I'll keep you posted...