A TEENAGER was cut free from a devastating car wreck in Burnley - but fortunately the incident had been staged to highlight the importance of road safety.

Nine volunteers taking part in a 12-week Prince's Trust educational programme spent yesterday with fire crews to learn about the consequences of dangerous driving.

The group, aged from 16 to 23, were all either unemployed, had been in care, or were not in full time education.

They were given a presentation in the morning about dangerous driving and were then involved in the mock cash.

Volunteer Brad Redmond, 18, of Russell Court, Burnley, was put in the car and firefighters showed the group step by step how they cut car crash victims out of a wreckage.

Crews smashed the windows, using sheets to shield Brad from the glass, before 'stabilising him' and using a stretcher to carry him out.

Watch manager Neil Mark said: "We are hoping that the message is getting across to youngsters that speeding kills.

"Most of the car crashes we go to involve young people so we have been working closely with various groups at schools and colleges trying to educate them about road safety.

"Showing a mock road traffic collision with all the noise of the breaking glass and the doors being cut off really helps to hit the message home."

Brad said: "It was very scary being in the car.

"I think that it would be even more terrifying being in that situation for real.

"The firemen were very reassuring but it definitely has made me more wary of the potential dangers of driving."

Graham Coxon, The Prince's Trust team leader, said: "All the group had a really good day.

"The firefighters are good role models for the group and it helps to teach them about road safety."

Andy Hunter, 17 of Brunshaw, Burnley, said: "I'm learning to drive at the moment.

"I think if all young people were shown a mock road accident they would be more careful when they were driving."