THE Vale of Glamorgan Council are supporting a new initiative aimed at making Welsh roads safer.

They are backing a competition organised by the Road Safety Council of Wales, with support from the National Assembly of Wales and other local authorities.

This important road safety initiative will put young drivers aged between 17 and 24 through a series of challenges to test and improve their skills behind the wheel.

One lucky winner will be taking to the road in a brand new Daewoo Matiz, complete with a year's free insurance, courtesy of Hill House Hammond, free servicing for three years and free AA breakdown cover.

The contest is open to anyone aged between 17 and 24-years-old, who has a full driving licence and lives or studies in Wales.

Road Safety Council of Wales Executive Officer Steve Baker, said: "In 2002, almost 3,000 young people aged between 17 and 24 were injured or killed in car accidents on Welsh roads.

The main objective of the Young Driver Challenge is to reduce this figure by giving young drivers all the practical help and advice they need to build on the skills necessary for keeping safe on today's busy roads."

Mike Dacey, Senior Road Safety Officer for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, added: "Drivers under 25 hold eight percent of all licences, but are involved in nearly 25 percent of all crashes.

"Every crash is one too many - so my challenge to every young driver in Wales is to enter the competition and stay safe."

l Entry forms are available from Vale of Glamorgan Council offices, all Welsh Daewoo retailers and Hill House Hammond offices, and online at the Road Safety Council of Wales website http://www.roscow.org. uk/challenge/

The closing date for all entries is Saturday, February 28, 2004, and more than 650 entries have already been received.