Nationwide hope for Press film

12:44pm Thursday 13th December 2007

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A TOP York city councillor will urge the Government to get The Press' Live Now, Drive Later film shown in schools nationwide, after branding it one of the most powerful films he has ever seen.

Coun David Scott, who is City of York Council's Children's and Young People's Champion, was among the City Screen audience which watched the film at its premiere on Monday.

He said today the deep impact of the film, produced by York-based film-makers Flash Frame Productions, had been demonstrated by the silence at the end.

He said: "This is one of the most powerful films I have seen. This campaign should have backing of the whole council. I will be seeking the agreement of leaders of all the political parties to support this campaign."

Coun Scott, who is the council's Labour group leader, said he would ask the authority to use its influence with schools and its partners, such as the fire authority, primary care trust and police authority, to urge them to use the DVD with young people.

He also planned to contact other Children's and Young People's Champions throughout the country, asking them to back the campaign.

"I will also write to the Education Secretary, Ed Balls, and the Roads Minister to support the campaign and to allow the DVD to be provided to schools nationally."

The campaign has also won the support of another councillor who attended the premiere, Coun Andrew Waller, the Liberal Democrat executive member for neighbourhoods.

"Joyriding is a national problem, and something as effective as this film should be seen by youngsters across Britain," he said.

"I will be talking to colleagues nationally about this film to help make this happen. It is extremely thought provoking, and so even at a time when young people are bombarded by so many distractions, I am sure that it will get through to them the pain and distress that joyriding causes."

The film also won praise from Mark Iveson, acting chief inspector operations in the central area, who said: "It will have an impact on young people coming up to or just reaching the driving age."

The film is already picking up interest from organisations outside North Yorkshire, with Debbie Gore, community safety officer with the county fire and rescue service, saying she has had a request from Essex Fire Brigade for a copy to show to young people.