A TV star was in the audience when an anti-bullying film made by youngsters had its Bolton premiere.

Chris Finch of Coronation Street fame gave his seal of approval to a video made by victims about the impact bullies can have on young lives when it was shown for the first time at Mere Hall.

Over the summer, young people at Bully Free Zone in Palace Street, Bolton, attended workshops so they could write, create, direct and produce the film.

They have drawn upon their experiences of bullying in the making of the film.

Bosses at the anti-bullying charity say the video will be shown to other young people affected by bullying so they can see they are not alone and that something positive can come out of their bad experiences.

The charity has been able to make the video following a £5,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation. The US firm Gannett owns the Newsquest Media Group, which includes the Bolton Evening News.

Each year the foundation makes grants to charitable organisations for many projects including those involving young people.

Chris, aged 25, used to play gay nurse Karl Foster in the long-running soap and caused controversy when his character had a steamy affair with Todd Grimshaw, played by Bruno Langley.

Chris used to attend Turton High School and still lives in the Bromley Cross area. Although he never experienced bullying at school, he has promoted the work of Bully Free Zone on several occasions.

Chris said: "The film was fantastic. The performances were brilliant, especially for kids that have never trained as actors. They were really natural performers and that's what you look for."

Chris filmed his last scenes for Corrie in May. Since then, he has been going for auditions and is preparing to appear in a play in Manchester.