YOUNG people from Swindon have made a film to prove to local schoolchildren that crime doesn't pay.

The Youth Offending Team is hoping that the film, which will be shown in schools across Swindon, will deter would-be criminals.

Kevin Leaning, head of the Youth Offending Team, was thrilled by the scheme.

He said: "Getting young and impressionable people to talk about the subject of anti-social behaviour and crime is a major coup for everyone concerned to prevent crime and limit the damage young people cause in their local community as well as to themselves.

"We know that young people respond positively to diverse forms of educational media, especially film.

"This project was scripted and acted with a young audience in mind specifically to engage them in discussions about the consequences of anti-social or criminal behaviour."

The project, which was launched at Kingsdown School, saw the delivery of a package including the film to headteacher Wendy Taylor.

Other schools should receive their copies next week.

The drama, acted out by more than 20 young people from Kingsdown and Bradon Forest Schools and New College, is based on real events.

It depicts a robbery and the consequences for the offender, victim, and their families.

The film is part of specially devised lesson plans to be given to tutors to help ensure anti-social and criminal behaviour is reduced.

The Youth Offending Team, which is made up of members of the police, Probation Service and social services, are targeting 5,000 pupils aged between 10 and 11 from the town's schools who will all see the film.

The Youth Offending Team's principal aim, in collaboration with other Government departments, is to stop youngsters from offending.