A FILM made by Dorchester youngsters with help from Bridport's PVA MediaLab is going on national television from today.

The film 23 Pieces can be seen on Virgin Media's TV on-demand service across the UK, thanks to collaboration between Virgin Media, FilmFlex Movies and First Light Movies, the National Lottery funded film-making initiative.

The film was made by Thomas Hardye pupils and looks at how genetics affect our life through the story of a boy who is seeking his true identity.

23 Pieces is one of 14 films being shown from the 2007 First Light Movies Awards. Dubbed Britain's own Mini Oscars, the awards reward young film-makers aged between five and 18 years old for their achievements in making short digital films.

Peter Snelling, film director at PVA MediaLab, said: "We are really excited about 23 Pieces being screened on Virgin Media TV - it is a fantastic opportunity for the children who have worked so hard on this project. This will take the film to a much wider audience and it is great to see young people's work celebrated in this way."

Pip Eldridge, chief executive of First Light Movies, said: "These young film-makers in Dorchester are really gifted and it's fantastic that Virgin Media and FilmFlex is showcasing their work on its 'on demand' service.

"We've helped thousands of young people of all ages and backgrounds to make films and with the support of companies like Virgin Media and FilmFlex we are able to give them the opportunity to take their talent one step further."

James Kydd, managing director of marketing at Virgin Media, added: "The film industry is a competitive market so we wanted to give these young filmmakers a platform from which to promote their skills."