A GROUP of keen filmmakers is bidding to restore Rochdale’s image with an ambitious project to record a year in the life of the town.

Rochdale Moviemakers want to project a positive view of the town and have already started to record some of the biggest events in the town’s calendar, including Castleton Carnival and Littleborough Rushbearing.

It’s a view very much shared by the Observer and we will be showcasing their work on our website www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk, with carnival and rushbearing video already on the site to view - click on the video window to see them..

The footage will also be used to make a short film for the community. The group aims to broadcast the work in a public show next year.

Geoff Alexander, aged 53, is a member of the 12-strong group which was founded in the 1950s.

The Hamer Primary School teacher hopes that the project will inspire members of the younger generation to get involved.

He said: "Unfortunately, Rochdale has a pretty tarnished image, what with roadworks, depleted shopping facilities and the recent live news broadcasts from Falinge, so we want to put forward a more positive view of the borough.

"We want to leave a legacy for Rochdale and the idea is to show some of the positive things taking place."

Mr Alexander added: "We’d like to hear from groups who are preparing activities in the next 12 months so that perhaps some could participate in our film. It promises to be a very exciting and interesting project."

For more details about the project, email info@rochdalemoviemakers.org.uk.