A GROUP of teenagers is helping transform the arts scene in their area - and also map out its future.

The youngsters are from the Jackass Youth Theatre Company, which was set up in the Crook and Willington area of County Durham 18 months ago.

Their project is one of many supporting the North-East's bid to become Capital of Culture 2008.

The Newcastle-Gateshead Initiative, which is leading the bid, said the scheme was an excellent example of how the arts improve opportunities within communities.

Jackass arose out of a youth theatre project organised in the Wear Valley by Jack Drum Arts, a theatre company that tours rural communities.

The young people meet at Parkside Comprehensive School in Willington. Initially, they worked on street performances, improvised drama and music, then they produced a 25-minute silent film, called Off the Rails.

Produced as part of the Film Council's First Light initiative, it was filmed in the North-East and won an award for innovation from the Royal Television Society.

Apart from learning their craft, the teenagers want to raise awareness of issues facing young people.

Jackass performed sketches about life for young people in Crook, at a drop-in centre in the town. As a result, the centre has offered additional activities.

Group member Laura Emerson, 16, from Crook, said: "Part of our message is that there is nothing to do where we live and that we should not be ignored."

Thirteen-year-old member Tom Burton, from Sunniside, sits on the Crook Market Town Steering Group, with representatives of organisations planning the future of the town.

He said: "I want to express not only my opinions but also those of other young people in Crook. I like the idea that I can make a difference."

Julie Ward, a founder of Jack Drum Arts, said: "If you go anywhere in the North-East, not just urban centres, you will find young people who are totally committed to the work they are doing. Jackass means everything to these young people."

Committee member Susie Galbraith said: "The group gives them self confidence and self-esteem. We support the bid for Culture of Capital status if it can raise awareness of what we are doing in respect of young people."

Wear Valley District Council's cultural services manager, David Plews, said: "My hope is that the spotlight that will shine if the Newcastle-Gateshead bid is successful, will be wide enough to illuminate the far reaches of the region and show that small districts like Wear Valley have bright artists, talented youngsters and exciting cultural developments and opportunities."

Paul Collard, head of programme development 2008 for the culture bid, said: "The bid is not about new buildings because by 2008 the region will already have the infrastructure.

"It is about using the visibility the title brings to create and resource innovative ways of enabling more young people like the Jackass group, not only to find exciting ways to express themselves but also to become part of the future of their communities and ultimately their own destiny."

* More than 147,000 people have signed up to support the bid. To register your support, go to www.visitnewcastle gateshead.com, or call 0191-243 8815.