OPINIONATED schoolchildren have helped to put Blackpool on the small screen by attracting television cameras to the resort.

Channel 4 researchers scoured schools before the summer holidays looking for would-be subjects for their Wise Up teenage programme and were so impressed with the people they found here they've snapped them up for 15 minutes of fame.

As one, Madeline Young, commented: "We were really impressed with how chatty and opinionated they were.

"We met lots of great kids with brilliant ideas on both light-hearted and serious issues and this is what we will be filming."

A crew is currently in Blackpool recording the slots which will be featured in the new series starting in mid October.

Those who took their turn in front of the camera yesterday (August 31) were Mark Dyson and fellow Montgomery High pupils Adam Farr and Justine Rainey who debated the merits of Blackpool.

Adam argued there was lots to do, while Justine talked about the polluted beaches, unemployment and tacky souvenirs.

The crew also paid a visit to the home of Palatine pupil Stephen Denton who has been chosen to interview video game programmers Electronic Arts about too many game sequels.

Throughout today (September 1)and tomorrow, girls from Montgomery will explain the bizarre fashion of wearing more than one pair of socks at once, while Seasiders fan Nik Parkison will interview Blackpool FC chairman Karl Oyston and defender John Hills about the state of the ground.

Then it's up to Elissa Wilde to make a name for herself in the karaoke challenge when she sings No Scrubs by TLC in front of teenage judges from Our Lady's School in Preston.

Fylde folk can catch the Wise Up series each Monday on Channel 4 from 9.45am.

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