Coventry University law students are breaking into the film industry thanks to a funding boost from the Alistair MacQueen Memorial Grant.

The students will be making a series of short, public information films on legal topics that can be accessed by the community.

The Alistair MacQueen Memorial Grant, which is linked to law schools, is an annual award of £1,000 given to an institution to support a charitable project. All UK universities, higher and further education institutions are able to apply for the grant which was set up as a tribute to Alistair MacQueen who sadly passed away in 2008.

Coventry University law students have a long history of working with the community and the films they produce will be used to assist the ageing population by providing clear information on such matters as arranging a power of attorney and understanding consumer rights.

The students will write the scripts and present the information with help from a young professional film-maker.

Once completed, the films will be offered to national charitable bodies and local councils to add to the work that they already do with these communities.

Sue Vickery, principal lecturer from the Coventry University Law School will be working closely with the students to produce the films along with her colleague, Janice Montague, a senior lecturer.

Sue said:

"I am thrilled that Coventry University's application was singled out for The Alistair MacQueen Memorial Grant.

"The money will help our students to develop both personal and professional skills and enable them to reach out to some of the more vulnerable members of our community in the West Midlands."

It is envisaged that as the project develops, different communities will be targeted and a wider range of topics covered in the public information films.

For more information about Coventry University, please visit their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk