A FILM made by adults with learning disabilities from Somerset has won the award for Best Educational Film in an international film festival in Canada. The film, Germ Academy, is about food safety, and was commissioned by Somerset County Council.

It was made by Somerset Work Preparation Services (SWPS) trainees in partnership with Stephen Clarke and Tom Stubbs of Biggerhouse Film and the Engine Room in Bridgwater.

The 23trainees put the film together after learning about the importance of food hygiene. All trainees took part in acting, filming, sound recording as well as organising and setting up props.

After winning the Best Special Effects category at the Oska Bright Awards, Germ Academy, was shown all over the UK.

It was also screened as part of the Prague film festival in October 2008 and recently, won the award for Best Educational Film at the Canada Film Festival.

David Dick, head of Somerset County Council’s learning disability services, said: “Somerset County Council is very proud of the achievements of the trainees at the Engine Room in Bridgwater.

“Germ Academy is a great educational film which takes a very entertaining look at the effects that a lack of food hygiene has on our health. “Viewers tend to find it very engaging and are able to absorb the information about food safety.”

Phil Shepherd of the Engine Room said: “This was a very positive experience for the trainees involved in making the film, and they produced a very good training DVD. “We hope to continue our success story with our most recent film about healthy eating, which will be accompanied by a training package later this year. ”