AN actress has used her dramatic skills to help combat homophobic bullying in schools. Davina Dewrance, who studied at Herts Theatre School in Hitchin, and is a regular in the Market Theatre pantomime in the town, features in a new film, Fit, which has b

AN actress has used her dramatic skills to help combat homophobic bullying in schools.

Davina Dewrance, who studied at Herts Theatre School in Hitchin, and is a regular in the Market Theatre pantomime in the town, features in a new film, Fit, which has been sent to secondary schools throughout the country in an attempt to stamp out the problem.

The 28-year-old said a major part of the problem was prejudicial language among youths. "In schools the word gay is used in a bad way - young people will often refer to things that look bad as gay.

"Teachers have found it difficult to address this so the film is split into 15 minute character stories with an education pack so they can talk about the issues with students.

"I've already had messages to me saying 'I went into the class and was homophobic and came out realising that was a stupid way to be'. I think if it changes one life then it's done its job."

The feature length film was funded by Stonewall, the gay, lesbian and bisexual charity.