A drama teacher and writer has created a TV series aiming to tackle the stigma of council estates.

Donna Taylor, CEO of DT Films in Braintree, wrote and produced The Block, what is hoped will be a six-part series focusing on the lives of people at a working-class housing estate.

The show features Michael Greco, best known for his role as Beppe in EastEnders; Terri Dwyer, who starred in Hollyoaks; and producer and actor Karen Bryson MBE, who played Avril in Shameless.

Part of the series was filmed on an estate in London where Ms Taylor grew up.

She said: “I lived on the estate we got to film on, that’s my area. For me, that makes it more special.

“We try and do films with a social significance and try and make a difference, that’s everything we do really.

“It’s a really humble company and I have been working hard for years on projects.

“Everything is very much based on trying to help people.

“The series shows the struggles and hard work, the heart of people, rather than drugs or doom and gloom.”

Ms Taylor also works as a drama teacher at schools across Braintree, including Tabor Academy, Alec Hunter Academy and Notley High School. Her background lies in theatre where she worked for 25 years, having trained at Mountview Theatre and Chickenshed Theatre before establishing DT Films.

Ms Taylor said: “I want to give a voice to the working class and start things fresh. There were 60 of us involved and it cost around £18,000, so a very small budget.

“We really managed to get such a great cast, it really just shows the heart of the place. Everybody did it as a labour of love, the director was an amazing guy and just so himself. It’s positive, it’s funny and sad. I’m pleased with the cast and the team and how well they have done.”

To find out more about the series visit dtfilms.co.uk.