A FILM shot in Comet country could take home a BAFTA later this year. One of Us, the brainchild of local writer Mark Straker, recently premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival as one of the top 10 films for 2007, as voted by the UK Film Council. It is now

A FILM shot in Comet country could take home a BAFTA later this year.

One of Us, the brainchild of local writer Mark Straker, recently premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival as one of the top 10 films for 2007, as voted by the UK Film Council.

It is now to be submitted to BAFTA in the short film category.

Young people from schools in North Herts were involved in the film process from start to finish as educational workshops involving acting, set design, sound and documentary were carried out by local training organisation Positive Strides.

Mr Straker said: "This film project has taken a long time to come together and you could have written a film script on all the issues that we have had to deal with to get it made, but it has been worth it."

He added: "I'd like to thank all the schools and teachers who took part in the process particularly Tony Foster from The Priory School and Danny Walton from Hitchin Boys' School who went well beyond the call of duty to help their school and their pupils get involved."

The film's central issue is peer pressure and belonging. This year's award ceremony takes place on February 10.