The small screen stars of tomorrow got a behind-the-scenes peek at the world of television yesterday at the launch of a new internet TV service.

SeaMe.tv is a �2.6m project led by the University of East Anglia and will see young people working with professionals and academics to create their own programmes and develop their skills.

The online service is aimed at east and south-east England, and the coastal regions of Belgium, France and The Netherlands, and was given its official launch yesterday in Ghent.

At Epic Studios in Norwich, young people from across the county got an insight into television production from tutors from the UEA's school of Political, Social and International Studies.

Pupils took on the roles of presenters and camera operators and learned about vision mixing, sound engineering and operating autocues.

Project manager Mark Wells said: 'SeaMe.tv provides an opportunity for students and young adults around this part of Europe to express themselves, to learn more about each other, and to hone industry skills which will stand them in good stead should they look for a career in the media.'

The UEA and Epic Studios have teamed up with partners in Belgium and France on the project, part-funded by an EU programme to encourage member states in the North Sea area to cooperate.

Harriet Alder, 16, was one of the Lowestoft Sixth Form College media students who got a taste of life in television yesterday.

She said: 'I think it's been brilliant today. I had the chance to learn about visual mixing, and directed our production of our news programme Norwich Now.'

The project team are looking for organisations and teams interested in getting involved.

Anyone wanting more information can email mark.wells@uea.ac.uk

Coming soon: Keep on the look out for Mustard TV, which will launch online early next year and on your television screens towards the end of 2013.