OWNERS of motorised scooters are being urged to brush up on their safety awareness by attending an event in Bewdley on Saturday.

The free safety day takes place in the town's high school from 9.30am until 1pm.

It is being run jointly by Worcestershire County Council and scooter supplier, Readspeed, of Stourport.

The safety event has been prompted by Bewdley residents' complaints that scooters are being used in dangerous and anti-social manners.

Police are particularly concerned that many young riders are going too fast or not taking the necessary safety precautions. Often riding without helmets or other protection, they endanger both themselves and other road users.

To ride scooters on roads, riders must be over 16, have at least provisional licences, display L plates and wear crash helmets. Their machines must be registered, taxed and insured.

Many riders are unaware they are committing offences if they ride on private property without permission.

Police have the power to officially warn people found riding on the road, common land, footpaths and bridleways carelessly or inconsiderately, or likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public.

If they are found riding in similar ways within a year the police can seize their scooters.

Sgt Andrea Furniss, of Bewdley police, said: "The focus of the event is safety for the riders and the public.

"There will be practical and theory sessions, with qualified instructors, with the emphasis on education, not enforcement."