STUDENTS put their half-term break to good use by creating a film about life in their local area.

Steph Tyack, Vicky Braterski, Matthew Marsden, Paul Marsden, Candice Thomason and Yasmin Sproston filmed 'Trees Estate One Wish', looking at how life could be improved for young people living in Westleigh.

The young people interviewed local MP Andy Burnham to ask him what is planned for the area in the future. The group also interviewed residents young and old, local councillor Anne Turnock and firefighters.

Vicky Braterski, 15, said: "We hope the film will make a difference and that things in this area will improve for young people. We want lighting installed in Westleigh Park and in the Team Meet Park area. We would also like a shelter and more facilities."

The group used professional cameras, high-tech software and boom microphones to make the film and each member was assigned to a production role then edited the material collected.

Positive Futures Youth Service funded the project, while First Take, an arts organisation that works with voluntary, community, arts and local authority groups to create digital video and multi-media productions, provided expert guidance.

Janet Brandon from First Take said: "These young people are doing something positive in their own time to try and improve life in the community they live in.

"They have all been professional and dedicated. They now have the skills and the confidence to get their opinions across and they have developed a greater appreciation of other people's views."

The group will send the completed video to the Trees Estate Community Board and they will hold a launch night for parents, friends and community members in the near future.

Marie Marsden, who helped produce the film, said: "Most of the kids living on the estate are great, it is just the odd one or two who cause problems. A lot of people on the estate see all young people as a threat. I hope this project changes attitudes and reduces tensions between young and old."