A SOAP opera aimed at teenagers which deals with hard-hitting issues has been created by a council for £20,000.

Kent County Council (KCC) launched its Hollyoaks-style 10-part show Hollywould on its Kent TV website last Wednesday (Oct 14) and a new episode will go online each Wednesday.

Each five minute episode follows the story of Holly, a first-year student at a fictional Kent university, and from the fifth episode onwards viewers can vote on plot direction.

Created in four months on a budget of around £20,000, it features 25 actors, runners and extras as well as a director, writer and film editor who are all from Kent.

It was written by former Eastenders and London’s Burning writer Julie Wassmer, who said: “The format allows people to interact with the characters and plot in a much more intimate way.

“It will also allow us to put across some light-touch messaging about serious subjects like student safety and the sexual health of young women.”

Kent TV was launched in 2007 and is designed to bring public information and features about the county to the people of Kent.

It is operated independently by Sir Bob Geldof’s media company Ten Alps plc.

KCC cabinet member for public health and innovation Alan Marsh said: “The Hollywould project is a truly innovative approach to communicating with Kent’s young adults about really important issues.”

However, the chief executive of national pressure group The Taxpayers Alliance has criticised KCC for spending £20,000 on the programme.

Matthew Elliot said: "I'm sure most taxpayers would rather their money was in their pocket in the form of lower council tax, especially in the middle of a recession.

"Most young people will see through such blatant propaganda.

"It would be better to teach them about these issues in the classroom than try to be young and hip, reaching them by online television."