YOUNGSTERS with behavioural and social problems have been taking part in a workshop.

The Arc, in Stockton, with support from Connexions Tees Valley, is working with the 12 youngsters from the Bishopton Centre, Stockton, on a two-week scheme.

The children have been exploring issues affecting the group and looking at the social cultural and economic reasons behind life choices.

Working with Dougie Pincott, of The Verb Garden, they are producing a gritty narrative in poetry form.

The group is working with Arc's artists in residence, VISAr, to turn the poem into an animation, which will be screened at Arc, and will also feature at the Animex Teen Toons event at the University of Teesside.

The Bishopton Centre is a LEA funded school which teaches children who have been taken out of mainstream school due to behaviour and learning difficulties.

Teacher Amanda Chambers said: "These are children with hostile attitudes about life in general. Many of them lacked basic social skills and shied away from interacting with anyone other than their friends.

"I can't believe the change in many of them. They feel worthwhile, and are interacting with other people in the building. They are coming in on a morning with smiles on their faces."