AN Ilminster film-making charity is supporting a group fighting the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone.

Purple Field Productions (PFP) trained and equipped a group of young people in the country earlier this year so that they could make films on matters which affected the lives of people there.

When the Ebola outbreak occurred, The Future View Film Group, led by Tyson Conteh, wrote, recorded and produced a music video showing ways to avoid catching the virus.

The film promoted simple messages about washing and hygiene, not touching other people and seeking medical help when Ebola strikes.

It has been an instant hit and is being played everywhere in shops in towns. PFP is offering support over Skype and emails.

Elspeth Waldie from PFP said: “We are offering support to a group of individuals who we know and with whom we have worked.

“We know things may get considerably worse for them. “We are determined to keep this team strong and positive. They are the ones who can produce a follow-up film, perhaps produce it in other languages/dialects for other communities, and so on.”

PFP has launched an appeal so it can continue its online training programme, send out money to the group for soap and food, and provide emotional support and counselling.

Readers can find out more and send contributions to the appeal by contacting Purple Field Productions at 10 Hill View Terrace, Ilminster TA19 9AL. Phone: 01460-54142.