Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, tried out a driving simulator when he paid a recent visit to Crossroads Care, Essex, at their base at the White House on Kiln Road, Benfleet, just behind the Castle Point Council Offices.
The MP was visiting Crossroads to see for himself the very good work that the charity does in supplying help and support for carers and disabled young people. The charity moved into the building, popularly known as the "White House" several years ago and has now made it their base for operations across south Essex.
During his visit, Mark tried out a driving simulator, which was donated to Crossroads by Ford Motor Company and in which it is possible to recreate a whole variety of different driving conditions. In this instance, Mark undertook a "Swedish rally" driving on simulated snow and icy conditions in Scandinavia. Marks exploits were witnessed by a number of young users of the centre, who were there on the day that Mark paid a visit, and who he had a chance to meet.
Commenting on his visit, Mark Francois said:
"It was good to have a chance to see Crossroads Care Essex at their base in the White House and to see for myself the excellent work the organisation does in supporting carers and young people in south Essex. It was also great fun to have a crack at the driving simulator. Given some of the weather we have had in recent weeks it was no bad thing to have a go at practising driving in icy conditions and I have to say that the simulator is extremely realistic, in other words its tougher than you think! I am a great fan of what Crossroads Care Essex do and I wish the organisation all the very best for the future."