A TEENAGER from Welland, near Malvern, has been named one of the country’s top drivers, despite being aged just 13.

Jake Cope was one of just 40 youngsters who took part in the national final of the Young Driver Challenge 2017 at the NEC in Birmingham.

The event is organised by Young Driver, the country’s largest provider of driving lessons to people under the age of 17.

Hundreds of youngsters aged between 10 and 16 from all over Great Britain had entered the competition, where they were assessed on their skills behind the wheel.

Although Jake, who is home schooled, missed out on one of the top spots, he wowed the judges with his skills, including manoeuvres such as tight steering, parallel parking and emergency stops.

Judges for the competition, which is now in its fourth year, included motoring journalist and TV presenter Quentin Willson, Julie Lyman from West Midlands Police, and Mark Beaumont, deputy chief instructor for Young Driver.

The finalists drove instructors round in a dual-control car on mock road systems and test areas created for demonstrating specific manoeuvres. The final also includes a written theory test.

Jake said: “I was quite nervous about the final, but really proud to have made it. We were definitely put to the test by the judges, and there was a lot to try and remember, but it was really good fun as well.

"The other finalists were all really impressive, and I’m delighted to have done so well.

"I’m really looking forward to learning on the road at 17, but it’s good to know I’ve already got some experience being behind the wheel. It won’t seem as daunting and I’ll be able to focus more on other road users and potential hazards.”

Laura White, head of marketing for Young Driver, said: “Huge congratulations to Jake. He, and all the competitors, did so well. Just by being at the final, they were one of the top 20 in their age category. Our judges were very impressed with the standard of driving."