BUDDING young film-maker and photographers have been capturing and archiving village life in Mepal and Witcham. The youngsters covered everything from village histories to local stories and modern events. Their work will be displayed in a film premiere an

BUDDING young film-maker and photographers have been capturing and archiving village life in Mepal and Witcham.

The youngsters covered everything from village histories to local stories and modern events.

Their work will be displayed in a film premiere and exhibition in September.

ADeC (Arts Development in East Cambridgeshire) led the project after approaching the village archive groups and then advertising the project on posters around the villages.

They organised free professional tuition from Arvon and Alexandra Wellen of Finca Films and funding from Leader+, a programme of European funding which promotes economic and community development in rural areas

Emily Ward, from ADeC, said: "The project was organised in two phases. Firstly a group of 12 to 15-year-olds undertook film-making workshops, where they learned about camera and sound work and directing skills, before going out and interviewing residents of the two villages.

"In the second phase children, aged between eight and 10 took out disposable cameras to capture photographic perceptions of their villages."

She added: "Some very professional work was produced and the youngsters learned about the process of archiving and how important it is to preserve village heritage. They were particularly excited at the thought that the work they were producing could be viewed by people in thousands of years."

n A premiere of Fenland to Dry Land, a short film created by seven young Mepal and Witcham residents, and a photographic exhibition will take place at Mepal and Witcham Primary School, on September 28, from 7.30pm.

Tickets are free but people are encouraged to book a place by calling 01353 616991, as seating will be limited.