DORSET Police have donated seized cars to Bournemouth and Poole College.

Bournemouth and Poole College was given 10 seized cars from Dorset Police after the force was made aware of the need for cars in the college's automotive department. 

The college contacted the police to request the vehicles which then picked up pace after the force's road casualty reduction team put the idea forward to colleagues. 

James Hills, director of learning for engineering at Bournemouth and Poole College, said: “It’s really good for the college to partner with Dorset Police as our students get both the variety of vehicles needed to train on and also crucial training links with the police to help keep them safe on the road in their own vehicles.

“This partnership will help build our student's curriculum to give them the best opportunities for their futures.”

The cars donated include a VW Touran, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Tuscan, Toyota Avensis, Audi A4 and Chevrolet Tacuma which will be used by students to practice their mechanical and automotive skills.

The cars were chosen based on a wish list created by lecturers with Dorset Police recovering up to 4,000 vehicles each year. It is hoped this initiative will allow police to re-direct cars from the scrap heap to the classroom.

Inspector Joe Wheable of the Roads Policing Team said: “These vehicles have been seized for a number of reasons, such as no license or no insurance.​

“Working in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College allows us to give the vehicles a new purpose and contributes to a better learning experience for Automotive students.​

“At Dorset Police, we’re dedicated to working with young drivers and providing essential road safety education. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for the team to build and strengthen relationships with young drivers and we’re looking forward to continuing this valuable work.”

The cars are made up of a range of petrol and diesel cars with front-wheel, rear-wheel, and four-wheel drive cars to allow a wide skillset to be practised.

Both the college and the Roads Policing Team said they hope to continue their collaboration in the future.