ASPIRING Spielbergs and Scorceses are honing their directing skills on a ten-week training course in film production, thanks to funding from Riverside Housing.

Residents of New Ferry are learning how to use video equipment to create DVDs that will raise the profile of community events and issues.

And their first project will target local litter louts.

Riverside Housing has ploughed £4,700 into setting up the training, delivered by Birkenhead Sixth Form College, for around 25 people keen to capture community issues on camera.

And with former Granada TV cameraman John Handley at the helm they're in very capable hands.

Jayne Branch-Murray, community initiatives officer for Riverside Housing said: "The New Ferry residents' action group is working on a specific project during the training to raise the profile of the issue of litter along the shoreline. They are producing a DVD to present to local councillors to highlight the problem and hopefully work together to find a solution."

The skills learned will also be of use to groups to promote community events online and in local venues. "We always encourage community engagement among our tenants. This is one of many schemes Riverside has funded to improve neighbourhoods," added Jayne.