A TEENAGER from Westhoughton is targeting glory in a driving competition — despite being too young to take lessons.

Rebecca Hilton, aged 15, has been interested in driving since first riding a quad bike at the age of nine.

While shopping at the Trafford Centre last year, she spotted an advert for the 2014 Young Driver Challenge.

She persuaded mum Clare to let her compete and became the top scorer in the North West to qualify for the national final.

The competition, open to anyone aged 11 to 16, sees professional driving instructors give the youngsters experience behind the wheel in car parks.

Tomorrow Rebecca will be one of 40 entrants drawn from a field of 350 competing at the Prodrive circuit in Warwickshire.

Rebecca who attends Westhoughton High School and is studying for her GCSEs next summer, said: “I was delighted to be the highest scorer in our area.

"I can’t believe it. I am really looking forward to the final. Fingers crossed I might be crowned overall winner.”

The challenge judges drivers on skills and manoeuvres, including parallel parking and figures of eight, and those who compete will get reduced insurance premiums when they become qualified drivers.

Prizes include 40 Goodyear driving lessons, a Young Driver at School session for the winner and classmates, and £500 off a premium provided by insurer Admiral.

Clare said: “She had a quad bike when she was nine and was very capable, and we have let her drive our car on the driveway and she has loves it.

“She has really enjoyed the competition. When she does turn 17 she will have lessons and hopefully she will pass as soon as possible.”

Kim Stanton from Young Driver said: “We believe it is vital to get youngsters learning to drive at an earlier age.

“With our past pupils having half the number of accidents within six months of passing their test than the national average, the scheme can only be helping to make the roads a safer place for everyone.”

For more information visit youngdriver.eu or call 0844 371 9010.