A group of residents living on a Bradford estate have gone behind the camera to produce their own promotional video in a bid to reach out to neighbours who may feel isolated.

The mini-guide to facilities on offer at the Buttershaw Christian Family Centre shows how residents can boost their skills and self esteem by getting involved in community groups and activities right on the doorstep.

The 10-minute-long video called A Centre For All Seasons, was filmed, directed and edited by volunteers and parents with the help of Bradford-based Acorn Videos. And this week the centre celebrated the completion of the ambitious project by hosting its very own 'world premiere'.

Bob Gynn, volunteer co-ordinator at the centre, on The Crescent, Buttershaw, said: "Because the activities and workshops are based in the Church building, people think we are only open on Sundays. This video is a good way of showing them just what they are missing.

"We could have brought in a professional company to make the film, but we wanted the residents to feel like they owned it - it is their centre after all."

Karen Ambrose, one of the residents featured in the video, attends the centre four days a week. She said: "There are a lot of parents on the Buttershaw estate who perhaps feel isolated. This video will explain what goes on at the centre and help to show them that they are not alone."

The centre runs a range of daily workshops including parenting skills, cookery, literacy and healthy living. Parents can take advantage of a separate crche facility at the nearby Bedale Centre and residents can stop and have a chat at the Sizzles breakfast club. And once a week it becomes a Child Contact Centre - acting as a neutral meeting place for parents and their estranged families.

Buttershaw mum-of-three Sharon Jowett did all the filming and editing for the video after being given a three-day crash course. "I've got a real taste for it now and would like to take a college course in media," she said.

Kath Evans, who is improving her reading and writing skills at the centre's Yearn to Learn workshop, also stars in the video. She said: "I've never been in anything like this before."

Residents can find out more about the video and book themselves a screening by contacting workers at the Buttershaw Christian Family Centre on Bradford 414003.

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