Students at a Norwich high school have teamed up with youth workers and trading standards to lead the fight against loan sharks.
A group of 12 pupils from Sewell Park Academy have made a video called 'The day the shark came to school' after being given lessons on the dangers of borrowing from illegal lenders by Norwich Youth for Christ.
The three-minute mockumentary stars the year seven students as vulnerable people seeking help after borrowing from the school's loan shark, who bullies and threatens them with crippling debts.
The film had its premier at Catton Grove Community Centre for a small audience of family and friends and was then shown at a school assembly.
Norwich YFC's efforts have been supported by Norfolk County Council's trading standards service and the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) who funded the project by using money confiscated from convicted loan sharks.
'The issue of loan sharking can have a detrimental impact on the lives of victims. It has been a great opportunity to work with the young people of Sewell Park Academy to empower them with knowledge to share in their local community,' said Norwich YFC youthworker Sarah Ballard.
Sophie Leney, Head of Trading Standards at Norfolk County Council added: 'It is important that young people learn about the dangers of getting involved with loan sharks, to prevent them, family members or friends falling victim to one.
'Well done to all the pupils involved – you have contributed to making a difference in tackling this crime in the local community.'
Tony Quigley, Head of Service for the IMLT said: 'This event demonstrates how loan sharks cash is being put to excellent use to educate the community and different age groups on the dangers of loan sharks.
'The IMLT will continue to work to combat loan sharks. They can cause untold misery to the most disadvantaged in our communities. We would urge anyone with information about loan sharking or victims of loan sharks to contact the team on 0300 555 2222 or visit our website'
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