Films shot by pupils from six schools around the island have been entered for the Isle of Man Cut Films 2018 competition.

Cut Films is a youth-led smoking prevention project, part of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The idea is to help young people to make short films to influence and educate their friends and families about the dangers of smoking.

Moreover, the Manx public will have a chance to judge their favourite films as all entries are now uploaded to the Cut Films competition website, where they can be viewed - and voted for.

Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, is excited about the competition.

She said: ’The sheer enthusiasm of these amazing young people is an inspiration. So many clever ideas, so much invention - and all crammed into films that run for just two minutes or so.

’The message is serious one - smoking is the cause of up to 85% of all cases of lung cancer, and we know it also contributes greatly to other serious and deadly diseases - but the way these young people tell their stories is a joy.

’They really are all winners.

’We’re all very much looking forward to the awards and to seeing the cinema packed to the rafters with young people, their friends and their families.’

Most people start smoking when they are young, and the habit is the primary cause of preventable illness and premature death, claiming around 200 lives in the island each year.

Cut Films has worked with more than 300 people and nine organisations such as schools and youth clubs, in the island, whether by helping to write scripts, directing, acting or shooting the films.

Follow the link: http://competition.cutfilms.org/isle-of-man-competition-2018 to take a look at all the entries and then click on the one you like best to cast your vote.

The winners will be announced at the Isle of Man Cut Films Awards, to be held on Tuesday, June 12, at the Broadway Cinema, Villa Marina in Douglas.

The event, hosted by Geoff Corkish, a former member of Tynwald and the Department of Education, runs from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.