A SCHOOL has secured funding to produce a film.

Greenfield Community Arts College in Newton Aycliffe has received money from the Regional Arts Lottery Programme for a film involving a group of year ten performing arts students and older volunteers.

The film will be in the style of a mock documentary. It is being produced and directed by Cheryl Jenkins and Matt Hargreave.

The students and volunteers have been meeting on a weekly basis to take part in film and drama workshops, culminating in an inter-generational film week during the Easter holidays. The final day of filming will take place on Friday, from 11am to 2pm, at Greenfield College.

The project is being supported by Age Concern Durham County's Inter-generational Programme, which is funded by regional development agency One NorthEast.

Marianne Patterson, of Age Concern, said: "The project aims to promote social inclusion and bridge generational divides by bringing together older and younger people in a positive exchange of skills, experiences and friendship.

"This particular project is an example of how both age groups can learn new skills together, and thoroughly enjoy themselves into the bargain.

"Bill Nixon, one of the volunteers, said that he has spotted some stars of the future in the group of students that he and his wife, Doreen, have been working alongside."