BUDDING film-makers are to be given the chance to work with professional equipment.

The 123 Digital Media project is open to people of all ages from the Stockton area, to help them create one, two or three-minute films about their community groups.

The project has been set up by Stockton Borough Council's adult education service.

Groups will work with the service, Archon 2000, Stockton and Billingham College and the University of Teesside.

From next month, there will be a series of free short courses offering activities ranging from basic information and communications technology, to movie and photo editing, CD copying and website building using digital cameras, video editing suites and virtual reality software.

Groups will also be taught how to plan films with storyboards, presentation skills, scripting and movement for a professional project of their own.

Project co-ordinator Margot Wade said the aim was to encourage people to try something new and technologically advanced, with professional equipment to which they would not normally have access.

She said: "We hope these courses will help community groups produce short films to be able to promote themselves. The courses could enable them to put a video on a website or send them out to other interested organisations."

They are aimed at community groups such as those based at the Hardwick Community Centre and the Stockton International Family Centre, and are funded through the New Opportunities project.

Any group or community interested in the project should contact Chris Stephenson on (01642) 393575