Damaged vehicles are getting a new lease of life as part of an initiative to help the training of young technicians.

Ten colleges are involved in an industry consortium which includes Snap-on Diagnostics, Bluecycle and the Institute of the Motor Industry, which set up the three-year pilot scheme.

Now in its second year, the scheme helps the further education sector with funding challenges in facilities, products and vehicles. Bluecycle, an online marketplace for accident-damaged vehicles, provides each centre with a car less than five years old, used for training purposes only, which is replaced every six months.

The programme includes the provision of vehicles, diagnostic equipment, access to technical data and support training for lecturers.

Steve Hunsley, curriculum manager at the Grimsby Institute, which is taking part in the initiative, said: "Our continued involvement keeps on driving up the standard of technicians."