A group of young people in Wirral have been recognised for their work in producing a video warning teenagers about the dangers of alcohol misuse.

Seven pupils from Oldershaw Academy were presented with certificates of thanks by police area commander Chief Superintendent John Martin at a special ceremony at the school.

The competition, organised by Merseyside Police, asked pupils from Oldershaw Academy, De La Salle College and Kirkby Sports College to produce a film in their own words to illustrate dangers of alcohol and to prompt young people under-18 to think twice about drinking.

They were asked to produce a three-minute film and distribute it to as many young people as possible within seven weeks. Judges from Merseyside Police were impressed by the pupils' creativity and how the schools showcased the videos such as by using social network sites including You Tube, Facebook and My Space.

Pupils from Oldershaw Academy alongside those from De La Salle College were runners up in the competition with students from Kirkby Sports College scooping the winning prize of a £250 cheque. The team at Oldershaw (Tom Birtles, Danielle Beattie, Garrett Owens, Rebecca McEvoy, Georgia Luby, Kyra Woods and Christina Grainger) used hard-hitting themes throughout their video to try and influence the behaviour of other young people.

The viral video schools competition is part of a wider Merseyside Police campaign to reduce anti-social behaviour Chief Superintendent Martin said: "This innovative approach to engaging with young people has been really successful. “Using groups of young students to act as role models for other young people has proven to be very influential - from online viewings alone hundreds of young people got to see the message and we hope it will have a lasting affect."

Mr Steven Peach, headteacher of Oldershaw Academy, said: "I am very proud of all the students who have received awards for their hard work in producing this video. “Our partnership with the police is an important part of safer schools."

The video by the pupils from Overshaw Academy can be seen below.