A DVD filmed in Bradford was being launched today to help deter young people from becoming involved in gang culture.

Understanding Gangs aims to teach teenagers in Bradford the downside to gang culture by using the examples of former gang members in American cities like Los Angeles and Boston.

Bradford and West Yorkshire does not have the same gang problems that other UK cities such as Manchester and Nottingham suffer.

However research carried out by the film crew revealed there were aspirations among nine to 18-year-olds in the area to become involved in gang culture, something the DVD hopes to nip in the bud.

Milton Brown, managing co-ordinator of the DVD, said: "We carried out research to find out why it is that people get involved in gangs. We then used examples of US gangs to outline the risk factors and consequences that come with life and gangs, and tried to outline alternatives to young people."

The DVD's producers worked closely with local agencies such as Connexions, Bradford Youth Service and local youth voluntary agencies, as well as filming scenes on the streets of Manningham and Eccleshill to speak to youngsters about what attracts them to gangs.

The DVD will be used by agencies such as the Probation Service as a guide for working with children.

Mr Brown said: "The project involved the community sector and agencies working together.

"This is the approach taken in America that has got results over there."

The DVD was financed by the Government Office for Yorkshire and Humber.

Dave Norman, of the Government office, said: "This DVD will help youth practitioners and communities better understand gang culture."