FOUR young people with special needs have been rewarded after learning about safe travel.

The quartet was presented with 'travel training awards' at Beechcliffe School, in Keighley.

Certificates were handed out by Keighley West district councillor, Cath Bacon.

As part of the training, the students – Harris Roberts, 17, and Kieron Negri, Lucy Hargreaves and Hasnain Raza, all 18 – have learned about walking routes and all forms of public transport, including buses and trains.

Tuition is provided by Bradford Council's travel training unit, on a one-to-one basis or in small groups which plan and practice journeys.

The team also helps students to learn associated tasks and skills, enabling them to travel independently to and from school.

Cllr Bacon said: "I was delighted to present the awards to these amazing young people.

"The training is a brilliant way for them to gain independence and confidence."

Hasnain's mum, Nasreen Parveen, said her son was much more confident thanks to the scheme.

"We are proud of him for the way he now travels to and from school," she added.

"We'd like to thank everyone who has helped – he's had great support."

The initiative is also welcomed by the council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, Cllr Val Slater.

"It's good to see that more young people are benefitting from travel training," she said.

"It is a great way in which we can help young people gain skills that will improve their lives."