A SCOTS film-maker has been commissioned to produce a hard- hitting drama to deter English repeat offenders.

Sandra Harrison, of Paisley-based Revival Studios, will make the film for Derbyshire Criminal Justice Board.

It will feature interviews with reformed ex-offenders describing how they have turned their lives around as well as a dramatised opening sequence of a prisoner being released after time inside.

The film will be shown to persistent offenders who commit the most crime and cause the greatest harm to local communities.

The aim is to make criminals understand that services such as housing, drug intervention, alcohol treatment and education are on offer in order to encourage them to reform.

The film will also be used as a training tool for staff working with offenders, so they can see where partnership working can help.

Laura Gurnett of DCJB, one of 42 across England and Wales working to co-ordinate and improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, said: "The film will be a key tool in helping persistent offenders get back on the straight and narrow and that should have a real impact on their communities. We really need the creative touch to produce a powerful message."

Sandra Harrison, managing director of Revival Studios, said: "I'm really looking forward to this one.

"When I started out in video and film production, I wanted to produce videos with stories that could change lives. I have a particular interest in criminal drama and researched the subject, so this is a great opportunity."

Revival Studios Ltd is a creative corporate video production company based in Paisley and Derbyshire.