MEMBERS of a project designed to combat bullying across Bolton will present a first performance of a new play written and directed by teenagers tonight

The Bolton Bully Free Zone team is inviting the public to watch the drama, called A Different Gravey, which aims to spread the message that conflicts can be resolved peacefully.

It is the third play to be staged by the Bully Free Zone and is aimed directly at the over 14s and is on tonight and tomorrow.

Cath Rose of Bully Free Zone said: "The play is aimed at older young people, the reason for this is that we have undertaken a great deal of work with younger children on issues of bullying and conflict.

"We feel that older teenagers, where conflict is often more physical and can have lasting damage both in terms of a successful future and psychologically, are often overlooked in terms of access to resources such as drama."

The play, which is described as a "humorous yet thought provoking approach to the issue of bullying", has been written by 18-year-old Bully Free Zone volunteer Ryan Hinegan.

It has been directed by another volunteer, Kevin Walsh, aged 18, with support given by Hafiza Mohamed of Rangeen Arts and Cath Rose.

In 1998 the project staged Sticks and Stones a play about bullying amongst younger people and last year it staged The Secret, a drama about abuse.

These have included audience participation in the form of hot-seating characters and forum theatre where the audience takes the place of actors and are able to try different methods of dealing with problems.

A Different Gravey is being staged at Mere Hall Registry Office off Brownlow Way tonight and tomorrow at 7.45pm.

Tickets are available on the door or from the Bully Free Zone office on Bolton 01204 454958.