Pro-writers help pen Oldham’s virtual soap

Young writers (back) Caitlin O'Ryan, Sam Glen, Matthew Adamson and (front) Amy Clohessy, Thomas Flynn, Caragh Aylett and Eliot Salt

THREE professional writers are helping young people to script the country’s first virtual soap.

The idea for “Our Town” — which is fully accessible from tomorrow, came from Oldham Theatre Workshop and is set in the fictional Oldham suburb of Millwood.

Sarah Nelson — who penned “Split Second” — the hard-hitting piece of theatre born from the teenager-led Every Life Matters campaign, is part of the professional writing team.

She is joined by playwright Chris Salt, who has won awards for his TV work and is a consultant in new media for emerging businesses.

The third professional, Shai Hussain, who has written “Silver Street” for BBC Asian Network and “Til Jihad Do US Part” for BBC Radio 4.

The trio will each write a storyline and will assist the seven young writers with theirs.

Our Town follows the lives of a diverse group of fictional characters and their stories unfold daily via a range of social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter.