THERE was expert advice on hand as Bexley's film-making club for young people welcomed its new intake of members.

Graham Cole, the actor who plays PC Tony Stamp in the ITV drama The Bill, is patron of Welling-based Pointless Taxi Productions.

He was at the induction to give first-hand guidance and encouragement to new members.

The club, based at Welling School, has taken on 40 new youngsters and the day enabled them to sample all apsects of its work, including scriptwriting, directing, camera work, acting and film editing.

Members are tutored by industry professionals and the club has been commissioned to produce high- quality films for a variety of organisations, including the Met Police.

Its latest commissions are from Charlton Athletic FC, which wants a film on its community schemes, and Bexley Women's Aid, which wants an educational film to show its work in schools.

The club was set up as part of the area's Community Safety Action Zone, to get youngsters off the streets and into fun and interesting activities.

It is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Safer London Foundation and Welling Arts Partnership.