YOUNGSTERS at a York school are raising awareness of mental health after the death of their friend.

All Saints RC pupils Mica Nicholas and Meghan Lyon made a video called The Pain of Depression as part of their media studies course.

The pair are part of a wider movement at the school to help pupils rather than adults come up with ideas to help youngsters cope with the stresses of teenage life.

Deputy head Vic Klays said the school has a group of students called Action Minds who meet to discuss issues surrounding mental health which was formed before the summer holiday and their work was given real poignancy following the death of former All Saints pupil, 17-year-old Tristan Powell who died in August, after a battle with depression.

As previously reported in The Press, Tristan's parents Kevin and Pia-Mari, have pledged to raise awareness of how difficult it can be for young people to talk about their feelings.

Along with producing the video, the girls were part of a successful bid to get a bench where they used to meet Tristan and other friends on the Knavesmire, moved to All Saint's School as a memorial to their friend.

In the past Mr Klays has attacked Government plans to return to an A-level system where pupils sit exams at the end of two years instead of continual assessment and said they will lead to increased stress levels in youngsters which could lead to long-term mental health issues.

He has also said that constant criticism about exams getting easier does not help.

Mr Klays said: "What we are trying to do in school is make it ok to talk about mental health so that people don't suffer in silence and they know that it's not something to be embarrassed about. We are motivated to make an issue that's more open.

"On a daily basis I'm dealing with students with stress related issues and it's a subject that needs to be out there."

*Anyone with concerns about depression can phone PAPYRUS' HOPELineUK on 0800 0684141, or go to papyrus-uk.org