RACISM, bullying and drugs are just some of the issues raised in an educational play touring high schools across the borough.

Performing arts students at Bury College created a production looking at social issues from a young person's perspective.

They researched a variety of issues using magazines, newspapers and the internet, and used their language and drama skills to create the drama performance.

The students held 21 shows at 10 high schools for the college's Theatre in Education (TIE) tour, which is part of the schools' programmes for GCSE drama and personal, social and health education.

As well as the performances, the students prepared an information pack for each school to use in tutorials. Andy Tomlinson, programme manager for performing arts at the college, said: "The TIE project is an invaluable experience for the students.

It gives them an insight into working as a company, devising a commissioned show and performing as a professional company during a two-week run. The shows are very educational so students, staff, schools, performers and the college all benefit from the project."