TEN driving courses are up for grabs in a competition being run by Devon County Council to help motorists improve their driving skills in the New Year.

TEN driving courses are up for grabs in a competition being run by Devon County Council to help motorists improve their driving skills in the New Year.

The competition has been launched following the hugely successful winter driver training days which were run in communities along the A377 as part of the Devon Country Mile project.

For those who were unable to book on the free courses run over the past month, the ten courses being offered as a prize are an opportunity to take part in a more in-depth training session. The sessions, worth almost �100, last three-and-a-half hours and include refreshments, and winners can bring along a friend to share the experience with them.

Feedback from previous course participants is full of praise, with one resident of Morchard Road saying: "I would highly recommend this course and it gave me the reassurance I needed to drive with confidence in wintry conditions."

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: "The response to the course along the A377 was so positive that this competition is opening up the offer of driver training to everyone in the county. These driver training courses can help drivers become more aware of how to adapt their driving safely for treacherous winter conditions and it's a great prize that could help you stay safe on the roads in the New Year."

Details of how to enter can be found at www.devon.gov.uk/countrymile. Winners will be announced at the end of January.

Courses are also available through the Devon Drivers' Centre on 01392 444773 and Devon Drivers' Centre gift vouchers can be purchased as a Christmas gift.