A COLCHESTER-based driving school has scooped a prestigious award for its innovative approach to teaching.

Streetlife Driving School was crowned the Best Driving Initiative 2014 at the Golden L Fresh Awards which marks the achievements on the UK driving industry.

The award winning scheme is Streetlife Young Driver’s Education (SLYDE).

The course, held at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, is aimed at 14 to 19-year-olds and combines a 45 minute driving lesson and 30 minute driving awareness programme.

To date, about 3,000 young drivers have taken part.

Karl Rushen, who jointly runs the scheme with partner Gary Lipman, said: “I’m a retained firefighter which means over the years I’ve attended some devastating car accidents.

“Our SLYDE initiative is great fun and it gives teenagers the chance to start building confidence in driving but it’s also the perfect opportunity to start teaching about the dangers and risks too.”

The driving school works with organisations such as Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police.

For more on the scheme, go to slyde.eu or call 01206 581020.

The pair were presented with the award last on Sunday, February 23.