YOUNG people are volunteering their time to make hard hitting films about Suffolk communities, tackling issues including teenage pregnancy and drug taking.

YOUNG people are volunteering their time to make hard hitting films about Suffolk communities, tackling issues including teenage pregnancy and drug taking.

Around 20 youngsters aged from 16 to 24 years old have been working on three films, looking at teenage pregnancy in Stowmarket, Romany travellers in Ipswich and the problems faced by young people living in a rural community at Bungay.

Their films will be screened at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich next month and if the pilot project is a success it will be turned in to a training programme for young people. Up to eight films could be made throughout Suffolk next year, with a youth film festival screened at the UGC cinema in Ipswich.

The project has been run by Millennium Volunteers, a Government scheme aimed at encouraging young people to give their time to help others, and CSV Media. It is hoped the films will raise people's awareness of key issues.

Daniel Allum, who is overseeing the project, said: "The students work is really good and I am looking forward to having it shown. They have interviewed mums for the piece on teenage pregnancy and talked to travellers in Ipswich too for another film, as well as MPs, MEPs, and teachers.

"They have gained skills, not just about making films, but leadership qualities, starting and finishing a project, planning and administration.''

Millennium Volunteers wants to see young people involved in exciting, fun and rewarding projects that help others.