A PIONEERING group of fire cadets aims to slash the number of road accidents in the town by spreading the safety message.

Members of The Genesis Group are to be trained in advanced driving, before going out and about to pass on vital messages to their peers.

Phil Johnson, of Warrington Road Safety Partnership, which is funding the project, said: "There are so many wasted or damaged lives caused through road collisions every year and the partnership is absolutely determined that we use every method we can to save lives and injuries on our roads.

"We believe this to be the first of its type anywhere in the UK and we hope it will prove to be a huge success."

Figures show that more than 300 motorists aged between 17 and 25 were injured in Warrington in 2002.

The Genesis Group will use the training it is given from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) to guide other youngsters on staying safe on the road.

This will involve attending meetings to talk to youngsters, working with colleges and employers of young people, and helping to set up other groups across Cheshire.

John Melia, red watch station officer at Warrington fire station, said: "We have some amazing professionals in our community who are all working very hard to ensure that our roads are safer, but what they do not have is a clear understanding of what drives young people.

"Our cadets are from many different types of backgrounds and you just have to meet them to know how positive and down to earth they are. They are fantastic individuals but when they work together they are something else.

"We are certain they will be a tremendous asset to Warrington."