BUDDING filmmakers have success in their sights after helping promote one of the best police firearms training units in the country.

Cleveland College of Art and Design students joined forces with North-East firearms experts to make a series of videos to promote officers’ skills across the world.

The Tactical Training Centre was set up in a purpose-built facility at Urlay Nook, near Yarm, in 2001, a joint venture between Durham and Cleveland Police.

Fourteen highly experienced staff help train police officers from around the world using state of the art facilities including an abseil tower, indoor ranges and sophisticated interactive judgemental video unit.

Director of training Insp Andy McGregor-Taylor approached CCAD to help with its global marketing, a project aimed at boosting links with the community.

A film crew spent three days at the centre meeting staff, planning the videos and shooting the footage with police personnel in a variety of scenarios, from robberies to hostage situations.

The centre boasts the only hi-tech 100m high velocity range in Europe with static, moving, conventional and projected targets, with which officers can be trained in a host of scenarios, complete with sound effects.

Students on the Fda/BA moving image production course included James Bushnall, 19, of Hartlepool, Kyle Dollard, 21, of Stockton, Jodie-Leigh Green, 19, of Middlesbrough and Tim Hodgson, 20, of Hartlepool. They were supported by CCAD technical demonstrator Lee Charnley.

James Bushnall said: “I had no idea about the sort of training carried out at the centre and was amazed at what the police are asked to do to keep us safe.”