A group of teenagers from Wrexham have launched a hard-hitting campaign to warn their friends about the realities of drug-taking.

The schoolchildren teamed up with a group from Derry in Northern Ireland to create a video called Flippin' Trippin'.

The video shows how many people die each year from smoking

Filmmaker Josie Hough

The programme, which was put together at Yale College, will be shown in schools and youth clubs throughout the region.

One woman in the video, who remained anonymous, said drug-taking was a widespread problem in the area.

"Practically every youngster takes drugs in Wrexham," she said.

"There's not much to do here and nobody's got much money, so that's a cheap alternative, I suppose."

Patrice Abernethy organised the event

Rather than telling people not to take drugs, the video warns them to get all the facts before they do.

Young film-maker Josie Hough said the material was very informative.

"In the video, there are helpline numbers and drug information numbers.

"It also shows how many people die each year from smoking, and asks questions to the public and shows their answers."

Community

The film was shot on the streets of Wrexham and shoppers were randomly asked about substance misuse in the town.

Patrice Abernethy, Youth Forum co-ordinator said the scheme should prove worthwhile.

"If young people can relate to a young person or another member of the community they see, that has an important influence over them," she said.

"It may give them a different viewpoint."

The teenagers have also formed a peer education group and will tour schools together to show the Flippin' Trippin' video.