THE catastrophic result of the use of drugs and solvents on a group of friends is the theme of a video produced by eight young people in Hartlepool.

Life's A Gas, has been made by youngsters aged 15 to 17, with the help of Carpet Films.

The teenagers are all users of Barnardo's B76 service, an information and advice centre for young people in Church Street.

The idea for the film came from the young people who also researched it, wrote it and acted in it.

It came about after discussions on drugs made them realise how many of their peers were getting mixed messages about the laws on cannabis.

They also explored how some people thought cannabis was the gateway to other drugs, but how the group actually thought alcohol was the culprit.

The video tells the story of an impromptu beach party, where, after having some drinks, a group of friends decide to buy cannabis.

When another friend gets arrested by police, leaving the group with no drugs or money, two of the girls decide to sniff gas as a substitute, with horrific results when one of them dies.

Ged Holland, Barnardo's project worker, said: "Solvent use appears to be coming to the fore again and the group wanted to show how dangerous this is and how much of a volatile and unknown substance gas can be.

"Videos on subjects that are real issues for young people today are used as awareness raising tools in schools and youth venues so other young people benefit."

Published: 24/05/2004