A HARD-hitting documentary showing how lives are affected when youngsters abuse drugs and alcohol is being filmed in Herefordshire.

Herefordshire LEA has received extra funding from the Department of Health to raise awareness among young people about the effects drug and alcohol misuse can have.

The funding is partly being spent on the production of a video for use in schools, looking at the effects on people around drug users - rather than the users themselves.

Now the producers would like to hear from anyone aged between 15 and 25 who has an experience they would like to share, and who are brave enough to tell their story on camera.

The LEA has commissioned Silva Productions - which is based in the area and specialises in educational films - to make the documentary.

As part of the project, Herefordshire LEA drugs education development officer Liam Kernan, and Silva Productions' Chris Smart, have been talking to students in sixth forms.

"What we've found is that young people are very aware of the effects drugs can have on them, but less aware about the effects on friends and family," said Mr Kernan.

"Students we talked to were critical of aspects of the drug education they've experienced and told us they don't want to hear from reformed drug users or see badly-acted dramas with high moral story lines.

"They were much more interested in hearing real life experiences and learning new skills."

Mike Dentten, the personal, social and health education co-ordinator for Herefordshire LEA, described the project as "a totally new and radical venture" for the authority.

Silva Productions Chris Smart said: "This is going to be a very challenging film to make, so we're inviting groups of young people to view the film at different stages of production.

"This means there will be no excuses for making a film that people don't want to watch and that doesn't achieve its aims and objectives."

Anyone who would like to be involved should call 01432 341801.