YOUNGSTERS across the country will see a film about the dangers of legal drugs featuring young North-East actors.

The eight-minute video was produced after mephedrone, which gives a similar effect to ecstasy, became a problem in rural County Durham.

The drug, which was legal at the time but has since been declared a Class B substance, was linked to several deaths in other parts of the country this year.

But It’s Legal focuses on a group of teenagers discussing their plans for the weekend, one of whom says he is going to buy “legal highs” on the internet.

The film shows the risks he runs – including being arrested, though not prosecuted, depression, other adverse reactions and death.

It was produced by Teeny Tiny Films, of Cotherstone, with young actors from the Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans drama group.

Durham Police, the Durham Agency Against Crime and Durham County Council commissioned the film and will show it in schools throughout the county.

It is also being offered to forces in other parts of the country.

The first public screening was yesterday at The Gala Theatre, in Durham City.

The film was seen as a way of countering mephedrone use after a small group of youngsters in the Cockfield area bought it on the internet, but was widened to apply to all such substances.

The actors were Jake Jarratt, 16, of Crook, Grace Davidson, 17, of Coundon, Jordan Hymas, 17, also of Coundon, Michael Webstell, 18, of Bishop Auckland, and Katie Rewcastle, 16, also of Bishop Auckland.

Jake said the film would “bring in more realisation and knowledge about legal highs”.

He added: “The film is highlighting what legal drugs do to you and the consequences of the drug. If someone I knew was taking these drugs, I would say ‘don’t do it’.’’ Film producer Sam Fosyrth praised the professionalism of the young actors, all pupils of King James I Community Arts College, in Bishop Auckland, and said he was delighted the film would be seen by so many people.

Robin Greenwell, chairman of the Durham Agency Against Crime, said he was extremely proud of the DVD and that it would give youngsters vital information about drugs.