ANYONE tuning into Alpha Radio in Darlington over the past few weeks might have heard some disturbing advertisement about domestic violence.

The 50-second segments feature a man shouting, clearly about to lash out, and the frightened voice of a child.

They do not make for pleasant listening, but they are not supposed to.

They were created by a group of teenagers on the Firthmoor estate in Darlington, and they are intended to shock and raise awareness about a subject which is so often taboo," said group member Jessica Goodwin, 14.

"We talked about it and decided that by going on the radio we could get through to people. It's wrong and we want to help."

The radio campaign was devised by Jessica and seven others: Nick Pryor, James Allan, Katie Watson, Natasha Granger, Lauren Coglan, Janie McKie and Nicola Moore; who all meet regularly at Firthmoor Community Centre.

Community education worker Robert Johnson was discussing health issues with the group when the subject of domestic violence was raised.

"We started talking about whether it was normal to punch a woman, that's how it all came about," he said.

"The young people started discussing it and they all felt really strongly, really passionately about it."

A series of meetings was held and the group settled on a radio campaign as the best way to raise awareness.

"Violence in the home is wrong and it shouldn't be happening, but some people seem to think it's just normal," said Nick, 13.

"We know kids who think it's okay to hit a woman. We wanted to find a way to say 'it's wrong' and to let victims know there is help available."

"It isn't just women," said James, 13.

"Children can be victims too. We know kids who have been."

The group, all in year nine at Eastbourne School, wrote the advertisements themselves and, after enlisting Robert to act as the violent male, spent a day in a recording studio in Stockton.

"It was fun to be in the studio, but we were aware that it was a serious project," said Jessica.

After the success of their radio advertisements, the group now plans to start work on a billboard displays for Darlington town centre.

In the meantime, Robert has nominated Jessica and Katie for one of The Northern Echo's Positive Young People awards for their work on the campaign.

Nick and Lauren will also be honoured for their achievements in other projects.

"The young people have been unbelievable really, the way they have taken it all on themselves and come up with this," said Robert.

"They went away and came back with the idea for the project and have seen it right through. There's some fantastic youngsters on this estate who really care."