PUPILS at West Monmouth School auditioned to star in a DVD to warn of the dangers of legal highs - produced using cash seized from criminals.

Gwent Police, Torfaen Communities First and local school children in Torfaen are working together to make a DVD to promote awareness of the dangers of New Psychoactive Substances or legal highs.

The initiative came about out of concerns in the local community about new psychoactive substances.

The DVD will be used as part of a formal lesson plan delivered by school liaison officers throughout Wales aimed at an audience of 11 and 12 year olds.

Local school children who are studying for their GCSE drama course auditioned to be part of the DVD last week and will help develop the script for the DVD.

The DVD will include interviews with A&E staff, a former user talking about their experience and how the legal highs are being used on a day to day basis due to addiction and lifestyle.

Cwmbran Police Sergeant Jennie Tinsley has been leading the initiative. She gave the production company, Zoom Cymru, the storyline based around real events.

She said: “The basic storyline is around a youngster’s use of and addiction to synthetic cannabinoids. We want to show the effects of addiction on him and his family and how he gets help to recovery.

"The production company will be using their creativity to ensure it is presented in the most impactful way all the while adhering to the criteria needed for the School Liaison Programme.”

The DVD is to be funded with £9,500 from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Partnership Fund - using cash seized from criminals and from the sale of unclaimed found property to make a positive difference in communities.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston, said: “Worthwhile productions such as this one can help young people to see the impact of substance abuse for themselves and hopefully help them to make the right decision about drugs or alcohol if or when the time comes.”

Torfaen Council’s Executive Member for Public Protection, cllr Gwyneira Clark, added: "This DVD will help young people understand the dangers of psychoactive substances and aims to change attitudes towards these extremely addictive and dangerous chemicals which are killing young people and ruining many lives."