MONTHS of hard work came to fruition today when a film warning about the risks of having a ball bearing or replica gun was launched at a Didcot school.

Worlds Collide is the result of a project by St Birinus School and members of Thames Valley Police.

The film was developed after students and staff were inspired by a presentation about the risks and consequences of having a replica or imitation firearm, delivered in assembly, by an officer from Thames Valley Police.

This presentation has been given in many schools throughout the Thames Valley following concerns about the number of incidents armed officers were attending involving young people and replica firearms last year.

Police said feedback from students and staff had been positive.

Members of St Birinus School suggested that a film with a scenario showing how a young person could get themselves into a situation where they were confronted by armed police would help students to relate to the risks involved.

The aim of the film is to send the message about the risks and consequences of having a replica firearm to as many teenagers throughout the Thames Valley as possible. The film and a supporting resource pack will be sent to every secondary school throughout the region following the launch.

Assistant Chief Constable Francis Habgood, Operation Support, said:" Firearms officers are being called to a large number of incidents involving young people with ball bearing and imitation guns. The number of these incidents is decreasing, but there are still too many.

"Some of the replica guns that we seize from young people are so realistic a trained firearms officer would find it difficult to tell if it was a real gun in an emergency situation. We have to treat all guns as if they are real and our concern is that a child could end up being confronted by armed police.

"The students at St Birinus have worked hard to create a film that will be credible to their peers not only in their school, but in schools and youth clubs throughout the Thames Valley. We are grateful to schools such as St Birinus who go out of their way to support us in getting information out to young people, to help them make informed and better choices."

Chris Bryan, head teacher of St Birinus School, said:" We are delighted to support Thames Valley Police with this important initiative. We have an excellent working relationship with our local officers and already work closely with them on a variety of citizenship projects including road, rail and river safety, as well as knife and gun issues."

The resource pack contains information to let young people know about recent changes in legislation that make it illegal to have a ball bearing or imitation firearm in a public place without a reasonable excuse. It was put together with help from StayWise, an organisation that collates educational resources for teachers from the emergency services and other agencies.