CAMERAS have been rolling at a Scout hut near Eastleigh for a cartoon blockbuster which will be hitting the big screen in the summer.

Members of the 15th Chandler's Ford (Allbrook and Otterbourne) Scout Group are playing a major role in a unique project, called Our Animated World.

Five short cartoon stories about the environment are being put on the silver screen for a special film premiere at Winchester.

It is part of Winchester's millennium festival project "It's Time."

The Scouts and Cubs have been working with well-known film artist and teacher Oscar Stringer.

In true Wallace and Gromit style they have used plasticine to create models which will are being used in a film shoot set to run for about 17 weeks.

They are using models, including dragon-like creatures, for their documentary which will focus on the issue of bullying. And the results of the film-making session will be shown at a film premiere at Winchester in June.

Group Scout Leader Janet Hyde said: "It is an exciting project but something totally different and we are pleased to have the opportunity to take this up."

Oscar is working with five community groups to create characters and storylines that will bring environmental issues to life.

He teaches animation in schools, art centres, prisons and venues all over the South of England.

And the Allbrook Scouts' image-making is guaranteed to capture a wide audience.

After the Winchester film premiere they will be copied onto video and shown in village halls, community centres, schools and other venues throughout the district.

Winchester City Council's millennium project director Jan Field says: "Our Animated World is a chance to address very important issues in a different way.''

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