A GROUP of youngsters are spreading an anti-drugs message around the country through a video.

The year ten pupils at Middlesbrough's Hall Garth School, a specialist arts college, took part in Darkest Angels, a 45-minute film showing the downward spiral of a promising young footballer who succumbs to drug use - with tragic results.

Funded by Middlesbrough and District Temperance Society (MTS), the video will be distributed nationally to other schools, groups and organisations working with young people.

As well as the young actors, PC John Haycroft from Middlesbrough Police's Schools Unit took a starring role, and Judith James of MTS had a cameo role, after offering her home as a location.

Filming also took place at Hall Garth School, the Spar shop at Tollesby and Middlesbrough Football Club's training ground at Hurworth.

A thousand copies of the video have been made and are available free to anyone working with young people.

PC Haycroft said: "Middlesbrough Police Schools Unit was delighted to get involved with this very worthwhile project. The end result is a welcome resource for anyone working with young people and who wants to get anti-drugs messages across.

"The film is a testimony to the commitment and skills of the youngsters who took part and reminds us that contrary to the usual portrayal of young people in the media, the majority are sensible, well informed people who are fully aware of the dangers of drugs."

The video and information about the work of the MTS is available by calling Mrs James on (01642) 270550.