A teenager has been named one of the best young drivers in the country as part of a national driving competition - before she's even officially old enough to drive.

Oonagh Peat, aged 13, from Borehamwood has been named one of the best young drivers in the country and will now progress to a national final for the title of the UK’s Best Young Driver.

After receiving more than 350 entries for this year’s Young Driver Challenge, 40 finalists have now been chosen and will compete at a national final to be held later this month.

Oonagh, who goes to school in Barnet, was judged one of the top three in her age category of 11 to 13.

She was judged on a series of driving skills and manoeuvres, including parallel parking, figures of eight, a turn in the road, steering, judgement and positioning.

Entrants also had to complete the Goodyear Driving Academy, an interactive online driving simulator which tests a youngster's knowledge of the Highway Code.

Miss Peat said: “I am absolutely delighted to be a finalist in the Young Driver competition, never mind to be the highest scorer in my area.

"I am looking forward to the final and I hope I am the overall winner, however, I will make the most of this occasion and have as much fun as possible even if I don’t win." 

The final will be held at the Prodrive circuit in the Midlands, with prizes up for grabs including 40 driving lessons, a young driver at school session for them and their classmates, and £500 off a car insurance premium.

Oonagh added: “If I am the winner, it would be a great opportunity for everyone in my class to have a lesson to also understand how to drive safely.”