A MEDIA student who lost an uncle to the effects of smoking is making a documentary highlighting the dangers of tobacco.

Darlington College student Mark Walton saw first hand the impact of smoking when his uncle died aged just 37 following heart problems exacerbated by his 20-a-day habit.

Now, working with stop smoking services in Darlington, Mark is producing a film tracking the efforts of a fellow student as he strives to quit.

The 20 minute documentary will be Mark’s final major project as he completes a two year Btec national diploma in TV and film.

He hopes the work will be good enough to submit to the Royal Television Society Awards and to be screened on the NHS' and local media websites.

It will feature interviews with stop smoking experts working for Public Health County Durham and Darlington along with doctors and hospital staff.

It will focus in on the reasons for smokers' addictions and the costly count on people's health as smoking remains the single biggest cause of unnecessary sickness and premature death.

It will also highlight the case of Charlie Bradlaugh, of Sunderland, who has smoked regularly for the past six years and has tried to stop previously without professional help. The film will feature a video diary of his battle against cigarettes.

Mark, of Bishop Auckland, said: "My uncle Michael was born with muscular dystrophy which affected his heart.

"About eight or nine years ago he had a successful heart transplant but unfortunately was addicted to smoking. Even though the doctors told him to stop smoking he continued and he collapsed and died aged about 37."

Health workers, who hope the film may influence young smokers to kick the habit, have welcomed the documentary.

Stop smoking specialist Debbie Green said: "Young smokers are among the hardest to reach groups as ill-health and death seem so far removed for them not to worry.

"Anything that highlights the damage smoking causes to your body has to be a good thing and we hope that young people will be influenced by the documentary."

Darlington College tutor John Gibb said: "Mark's passion for this project is being driven by the sad death of his uncle and its success will be a moving and lasting tribute to him as well as a stark warning of the dangers of smoking."