TEENAGERS took the opportunity to get out into the community25 years ago to help with a series of projects and even make a video on the danger of drugs.

The Mail, on March 31 in 1994, noted: "Pupils from Barrow's Thorncliffe School spent a week in the community on work which included cleaning up the environment and fighting drug abuse.

"Each group of year ten children had to come up with their own ideas for projects which would help people or the environment.

"projects varied from working with children to painting walls.

"One group even painted a mural at Barrow station.

"Another group decided to have a go at cleaning up the shoreline.

"Some enterprising students produced an anti-drugs video aimed at younger members of the school.

"Seven pupils - Andrew Maddison, Susan Duke, Jonie Brownley, Glenn Anderson, Daniel Fereday, Lorna Murray and Richard Thorne -joined together to direct, film and star in the video.

"It was filmed at one of the pupil's houses and in the school and will be five minutes long.

"If good enough it will be shown to first and second year pupils and possibly to other Furness schools.

"The video covers the dangers of using solvents, smoking,drinking and drugs."

Year 10 pupils were helping with community projects again in2000.

The Mail, on April 7, noted: "Teachers provide support through paying visits and checking the welfare of the youngsters although the rest is left to the pupils."

Community experience co-ordinator Derek Plumb said:"They spend a number of weeks working in small groups in the guidance lessons to decide what they want to do and how they are going to complete the project successfully."

Projects included clean-ups at Roadhead, Walney and Birkrigg.

The article noted: "Other groups of teenagers have worked with senior citizens in retirement homes.

"The youngsters also worked with children at primary and nursery schools and several students helped repair and maintain boats used by the sea cadets at the John Fisher Boatyard.

"The Barrow Homeless Centre in Bath Street was redecorated and another group of students worked in Gleaston with the British Conservation Trust for Volunteers.

"The school pupils have also made a millennium garden at their own school and decorated the Hartington Street Methodist Church Youth Centre."

Around 150 pupils took part in the three-day project and gave talks to pupils and staff about their experiences.