YOUNGSTERS brought some drama to the airwaves as they appeared on a local radio station yesterday this week.

Members of Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans (Bath) have produced adverts for a domestic violence campaign on Alpha 103.2, and were invited onto Tim West's Big Fun Breakfast show.

They talked about the adverts, which will be broadcast from next week, and staged an improvised drama based on Gordon Brown's Budget.

The youngsters were approached by Darlington Domestic Violence Forum, and used Alpha's radio studio equipment to produce the adverts. Funding for the adverts has come from the Funding For All scheme, with support from Clark Willis solicitors.

Group leader Stephen Elliott said: "They've learned new skills and had to work to a tight deadline. It follows the route of work that the Theatre Hooligans try to do - making a difference in our community."

Darlington's domestic violence co-ordinator Joy Easterby said: "It's important that we acknowledge that children are the hidden victims, and to hear what they say about it. It's wonderful to work with Bath because they're such professionals."

The adverts were produced by seven members of the group - Sean Nicholson, Chelsea Simpson, Leon Clark, Leanne Golightly, Shane Taylor, Bekki Hardy and Dean Calvert - plus leaders Danny Wales and Stephen Elliott.

Alison Kelly, sales executive at Alpha 103.2, said: "The adverts are fabulous and very effective.

"They really get the message across."