A project which aims to tackle the mini-motorbike menace plaguing Bradford's streets and wasteland has been launched.

Registered charity, The Bradford Motor Education Project (BMEP), aims to provide young people from the Fagley and Eccleshill district with basic vehicle maintenance skills and warn them of the dangers of illegal riding and driving.

The scheme, launched at Fagley Community Centre, is aimed at young people aged 12 to 25, and will give youngsters the chance to enjoy supervised off-road motor-bike riding.

BMEP operations manager Kevin Metcalfe said: "We aim to provide diversionary activities for young people around motor vehicle use. We offer a 12-week programme which includes basic mechanic skills.

"We also provide information on the consequences of riding or driving illegally, and what they need to do to be able to ride or drive legally.

"We will also give young people the chance to ride or drive off-road legally and under supervision."

Around 20 young people, referred from Carlton Bolling and Emmanuel schools, have enrolled on the first course at the charity's new Fagley HQ.

Participants will also be referred from other bodies including Bradford-based youth offending teams, the Youth Service and the police.

Neighbourhood Renewal Funding of £15,000 has transformed a third of the existing Fagley Community Centre into a fully-equipped workshop complete with £5,000 vehicle lift.

Two mini-buses and quad bikes donated by the police are also on hand for young people to work on.

Mr Metcalfe said: "It can be very rewarding to see young people on the fringes of society learning a new skill."

Mr Metcalfe added that although the unit will work with young people found guilty of minor offences, many participants will be referred because they have an interest in motor mechanics.

The centre, supervised by two trained mechanics with youth work qualifications, is also open to young people two evenings a week.

"We want to capture the imagination of the young people of the district," added Mr Metcalfe.

"We are also open as a youth centre each Monday and Thursday evening.

"If we can stop one young person from getting involved in an accident, the project will have been worthwhile."

First launched in Bradford 20 years ago, existing BMEP projects already run in Keighley, Holme Wood, Canterbury, Allerton, Wyke and Buttershaw.

Alan Clarke, Fagley Community Centre manager, said he believed the project would help tackle the mini-motorbike menace in the area.

He added: "It is very important that young people are informed of the dangers they face when dealing with motor vehicles."

Councillor Carol Beardmore (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) said: "This is a fantastic project. The centre is perfect and I hope it goes from strength to strength.

"Anything that actually provides a focus for young people and stops them from riding around causing havoc is fantastic."