Vehicles seized by police and destined for the scrapyard will instead be given to students on mechanics and engineering courses.

Thames Valley Police has already donated 10 unclaimed vehicles to Abingdon and Witney College and in future any vehicles seized under the Road Traffic Act will be donated each term.

Jude Pollock, team leader for the Vehicle Recovery Unit, said: “These vehicles have been seized as a result of no licence or insurance and have little purpose before being sent to be scrapped.

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"This initiative now gives them a new lease of life to help provide a better learning experience for the future generation of budding engineers and mechanics."

The initiative, run with breakdown company Egerton’s Recovery, will provide students with hands-on experience of different makes, models and conditions of vehicles.

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At the end of each term, the vehicles, which are not roadworthy, will be collected by Egerton’s and disposed of through the police recovery scheme. A new batch will then be delivered for the next term.

Mike Keeley, Egertons regional operations manager, said: “To be able to supply vehicles for the future generations can only have a positive impact on training the candidates choosing the motor trade sector as their chosen career.

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"Perhaps in a few years these pupils may even join the roadside and recovery sector themselves.”

Thames Valley Police said it hopes this initiative can be replicated in time in other areas across the force.

Dr Samantha Borret, curriculum manager at Abingdon & Witney College, added: "This opportunity will allow Abingdon and Witney students to learn and practice their mechanical skills on a variety of cars and vehicles.

"This will give them a strong base of knowledge to take into their careers and also benefit the local economy.”