A NOTTINGHAM charity that works with young offenders has received a £24,000 grant from Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales.

The Wheelbase Motor Project in Newark Street, Sneinton, provides motor vehicle vocational training to young offenders or those not currently in education, employment or training between the ages of 14 and 19.

The project also provides basic numeracy and literacy training and runs a programme designed to improve life and social skills through topics such as healthy eating, drug awareness and offending behaviour.

Young people who attend the project also have the chance to learn to drive a car and take part in a variety of motor sports including grass-track racing and go-karting.

The grant will contribute towards the salary costs over three years of a business manager whose role is to develop and manage the project.

Sam Rimmer, manager of the Wheelbase Motor Project, said: "Thanks to this grant from the Lloyds TSB Foundation we'll be able to give these young people the chance to reach their full potential."

Gary Beharrell, Lloyds TSB Foundation Grant Manager for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, said: "This is an excellent and inspiring project."