A CITY street was sealed off today while a group of Worcester students leapt into action to shoot the final scenes of a road safety film.

About 20 students on three courses - media production, theatrical make up and costume, and performing arts - at Worcester College of Technology were involved in the day's filming at Trotshill Lane West, Warndon Villages.

They have been working on a project with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service over the past year that has enabled them to use professional equipment and techniques.

The finished film will be used by the fire service in schools throughout the county to alert young people to the consequences of poor driving and encourage passengers to think carefully before accepting lifts.

Thomas Hill, course leader in media production, said: "The fire service came to us and asked if we could make a video. They wanted young people to make a video aimed at young people. At the end of the day it is about saving lives in Herefordshire and Worcestershire because there is such a high rate of car accidents.

"We are trying to create a story about a group of young people who are going out to have a good time."

The final scene, filmed in Trotshill Lane West, involves a fatal car crash. Four students act the parts of the driver and passengers, while staff from the fire service, ambulance and police play their own parts.

"It has given the students an opportunity to get out of the classroom and create a production that is going to be used. Where else could you close a road, cause a car accident and get the police, fire service and ambulance involved?

"It is the best project the students have ever done and they have been amazing," said Mr Hill.

Spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire Service Alec Mackie said: "We are delighted that these students are producing this film which we will be able to use in our road safety campaign. We attend more road traffic collisions than fires.

"It is not just the drivers we want to target, but the passengers who get into cars for a lift home. This sort of film does shock people and bring home the message."