A STUDENT has put together a powerful short film which will be used by police to warn young people of the dangers of drink, drugs and one punch assaults.

The project formed part of ongoing work between Darlington College and Durham Constabulary.

Danny Kane, 18, is a second year student on the TV and film course at the college.

He took up the challenge to produce the piece, which will now be used as a crime prevention tool, when members from the force visited the college last year with a request for some innovative ideas to deliver hard-hitting messages young people.

He said: “It was great experience to be able to work with an organisation like the police. I think that using students to produce work aimed at other young people is a good idea because we can relate to our peers and make something that gets their attention, which I hope is what I have done in the film that I have made.

“Personally, I’m really pleased to be able to add this piece of work to my portfolio.

"It demonstrates that I’m able to work to a brief and produce a professional project.

"It’s even better to know that this will now be used to warn other young people about the dangers of drink and drugs, and the consequences of getting into a fight on a night out.”

PC Claire McNaney, from the alcohol harm reduction unit, said: “Sometimes young people can’t foresee the consequences of their actions.

"They don’t realise that when they drink or take drugs, they are actually putting themselves at risk; not only from other people but also themselves.

"I work closely with a lady who lost her son to a one-punch assault. We often see young people who think they are invincible because they are under the influence. I’m hoping that this film will drive home the reality that they are not, and in contrast, they are very much more vulnerable.

“I’d like to thank Danny for all his hard work and commitment in completing this project.”

Darlington College tutor Steve Wade said: “Danny has done a fantastic job of filming and editing this piece, and even stars in it himself. As his two-year course comes to a close, I am delighted that he will now move on to either further education or to find a job with this as part of his portfolio of work.”