SIXTEEN Newbridge pupils turned actors to star in a hard-hitting short film about bullying.

The youngsters aged between 11 and 14, who attend Newbridge School’s inclusion centre, along with staff members premiered the 20-minute film entitled Bully Bully! during its annual award ceremony in the main school’s library on Monday.

The film was directed by Tony Gallagher, acting deputy head of Newbridge Inclusion Centre, with his colleague Graeme Smith, providing technical support.

Mr Gallagher said the project, which arose in response to a call from South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle for zero tolerance to bullying and homophobic taunts in schools, helped pupils to develop their confidence.

He said: “The film project has seen pupils grow in confidence and seen them work as a team, which is a major achievement given the general cohort of pupils that we have.”

The lead roles of Jonathan and Katie were played by Caymen Perring and Samantha Jones, who were presented with best actor awards at the ceremony by Caerphilly arts development officer, David Chamberlain.

Mr Gallagher said: “Parents and carers told of their delight and of how proud they were at seeing their children in the film.

“The Inclusion Centre is now looking at further screenings of the film to a wider audience.”