Pupils from two schools have had fun after joining forces with their parents to produce an amusing 25 minute video film on the unlikely subject of rubbish.

The scriptwriting, acting and special effects were done by children from St Mary's Primary School and Teesdale Comprehensive School, in Barnard Castle.

The production has been completed with help from parents and will have its first screening during a coffee morning being held at St Mary's School on Saturday.

The film was created as part of Connect, a family learning project which involves a number of Teesdale schools and villages.

It was funded by the district council, the market towns initiative and several other bodies.

Gerardine O'Connor, the project co-ordinator, said yesterday, "Rubbish may seem a strange subject for a film, but everyone had a wonderful time making it and it has turned out really well."

One scene features a dispute between wheelie bins and old-style dustbins.

Another includes a wheelie bin flypast with some stirring music to back it.

There is also a dance with broomsticks and a band making music by rattling sticks on metal dustbins.

A newscast has some young readers talking about dangers caused to animals by carelessly discarded rubbish.

The film will be screened three times during Saturday's event, with the first showing at 10.15am.

Ms O'Connor said: "The team have made some good serious points about rubbish as well as including some interesting and amusing items."

Other video films on a variety of subjects have been made at Butterknowle, Hamsterley and Bowes.

The final one in the series will start at Cockfield in January.