YOUNGSTERS from a renowned issue-based drama group have produced a series of adverts about domestic violence for a radio station.

Members of Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans, based at King James I Community College, in Bishop Auckland, have created adverts to be broadcast on Darlington-based Alpha 103.2 from Monday.

The group regularly produces hard-hitting dramas on both stage and screen, delivering messages about issues from drugs to teenage pregnancy, but this is its first foray into radio.

The youngsters were approached by Darlington Domestic Violence Forum, and were able to use Alpha's studio to produce the adverts, and worked with one of the station's scriptwriters.

Darlington's domestic violence co-ordinator, Joy Easterby, said: "The message we're trying to get across is that domestic abuse is not just physical, but there are other forms, and people don't have to put up with it."

Some of the youngsters will be interviewed live on Tim West's Big Fun Breakfast between 6am and 10am this morning.