YOUNGSTERS with disabilities in Wiltshire challenged preconceived ideas as part of a thought-provoking video produced for national Anti-Bullying Week.

This year the national campaign focused on the bullying of young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Wiltshire Young Disabled Group (WYDG), which is supported by Wiltshire Council, wanted to create a film to raise awareness of issues young people with disabilities face.

Filming for the video, which covers discrimination against young people with disabilities and understanding the difference between ability and disability, began in October.

Part of the footage shows the everyday lives of youngsters with disabilities, while the group also asked people at County Hall for their views on what comprises disability.

Emily Banks, from WYDG, said: “This film is important because it gets the views of disabled young people across and makes them feel involved.

“It makes people understand our feelings and what it is like to live with disabilities and opens their eyes.

"Hopefully it will build understanding of disabilities and make people think and stop bullying, because I was bullied a lot at school.”

Filming took place at Wiltshire College, Squirrels Café, which is part of the Hope Nature Centre, in Trowbridge, and Lacock Abbey, as well as in Wiltshire Council buildings.

Matravers School, in Westbury, also showed its support for the national event, with pupils wearing Matravers anti-bullying T-shirts to raise awareness.

Chrissy Ottaway, senior pastoral manager at the school, said: “Students have been wearing Matravers Anti-Bullying T-shirts during the week to raise awareness of the campaign and we have also asked them to think and reflect on this topic.

“Assemblies throughout the week have focused on anti-bullying and students have also completed a range of activities and discussions in their SMSC lessons.

"Student awards were then presented in assemblies to anti-bullying champions in each year group.”