YOUNG film-makers have delivered a hard-hitting message to councillors, demanding greater investment in the area where they live.

Councillors watched a 30-minute film by three youth groups in Farnworth at a private viewing at Mere Hall on Wednesday night.

The video highlighted litter, graffiti, traffic calming, crime and education as concerns across Farnworth, Kearsley and Little Lever.

The film will be shown to the public at the next meeting of Bolton South East Area Forum on Monday night.

Around 25 children, aged between 11 and 16, have worked on the film in a project aimed at encouraging more youngsters to get involved in local issues.

Area Forum development worker Suzanne Hindle said she was amazed with their professionalism.

She said: "The issues that they raised are all very valid."

"It is my job to give young people a voice in the community. This project has certainly allowed them to do that. It has been great fun and I have been very impressed with their commitment and hard work.

"They've been involved from the start right the way through to editing the film."

Keeley Partington, aged 15, a Harper Green School pupil, said Farnworth needed urgent attention.

She said: "The film shows that the area needs sorting out really badly and cleaning up.

"Some roads and pavements are badly run down and we are hoping that someone will take notice of the film and spend some money in brightening up the area. There is nothing to do around Farnworth and this video will show people what we are capable of."

Matthew Gilmore, aged 13, of St James' School, said: "I think the film is a really good way of getting our point across and I have really enjoyed making it.

"Some of the biggest problems we have are graffiti and crime and this will show that want to do something about it."

Councillors said they would take into consideration the issues brought up in the film.

Little Lever Cllr Anthony Connell, chairman of South East Bolton Forum, said: "The forums are an important way for all sections of the community to have their voices heard. This was a great way to encourage young people to put their views forward."