PRINCE William has given his support to an Ilminster charity which has been helping in the battle against the deadly Ebola virus.

In a personal YouTube video, the Prince said he was watching with ‘great concern’ the Ebola situation in West Africa.

And he expressed support for a group of young film-makers in Sierra Leone who have made an educational music video about Ebola in their country.

The Future View Film Group is made up of young people aged 18- 30 and Ilminster charity Purple Field Productions is supporting it.

The charity trained and equipped the young people earlier this year so that they could make films about matters affecting people’s lives there.

They wrote, recorded and produced a music video that showed how to avoid catching Ebola and promoted simple messages about washing, hygiene and seeking medical help when the virus strikes.

Future View director Mohammed Conteh said he was overwhelmed by the support.

He added: “This is a dream come true and we don’t know how to express how happy we are to know that Prince William has watched our video and is pleased with it.

“Without the help of PFP it would not have been achieved.

They have been supporting us in countless ways and we are happy we are working together.”

PFP associate producer Colin Stevens said: “When we told the kids, they were absolutely ecstatic. It’s been a really great morale boost for them.

“The music video came about because what they were hearing and witnessing was that people didn’t believe the disease was real.”

 In the video, Prince William says: “I wanted to take time to add my name to this video – it’s an educational piece that will keep you safe.”

Purple Field Productions is appealing for donations to help support the young filmmakers with soap, food, camera equipment and training.

Donations can be made by visiting buzzbnk.org/FutureViewFilm

The video of support from Prince William