PUPILS from Abingdon area schools are to feature in a new Grange Hill-style soap opera.

The show focuses on a fierce rivalry between fictional schools in north and south Oxford and is being filmed in Oxford.

Youngstar Productions already has 26 youngsters aged 11 to 20 to take part in the show, but is looking for another 30 to play pupils at a rival school.

In the show’s plot, fictional schools Lakeside Academy and Darton High are forced to merge, causing clashes between pupils.

It has been penned by EastEnders writer Sandra Philips, and will be screened online, with producers also hoping to sell it to a TV company.

Filming started last month at South Oxford community centre in Lake Street, which doubles as Lakeside High.

Sunningwell Primary School pupil James Plumb, 11, plays Barry, described as “the fittest boy in the school, but a bit of a bully”.

He said: “I really like acting and this is really fun. I hope it is going to be really successful and everyone will like it.”

Callum John, 12, from Larkmead School, Abingdon, who plays wannabe gang member Carl, said: “I like the idea because instead of a one-off, it is going to be a running series and so it is more engaging.

“We have more input into what our characters are like, and idea of the school rivalry reminds me so much of things in the Abingdon area.”

Emily Mussabir, 14, from John Mason School, Abingdon, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing myself on screen.

“It is going to be pretty hard work, but is really good experience. Everyone is quite excited about it.”

The actors are able to part-improvise their roles, in order to give the production a more naturalistic feel.

Producer Louisa Hart said: “We’ve done some improvisation and built up the characters. It gives them all more confidence, which is really good if they are applying for parts on TV or in films.”

The show will tackle issues including teenage pregnancy, gangs and drugs, with professional actors playing teachers.

Filming takes place on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons.