Life for today's young teenagers is being explored in a new television series, with the help of two girls at South Craven School, near Skipton.

Twelve year-olds Rebecca Whiteoak and Samantha Wardle are to feature in the three-part Channel 4 programme called Sex From 8 to 18.

Rebecca's father Stuart Whiteoak, a 46 year-old who works in marketing, said: "The programmes cover life today as it effects girls - from puberty to discovering sex, boys, fashion, make-up and general lifestyle.

"Channel 4 filmed the girls on a number of occasions in their homes, going to school, the cinema and shopping."

He said she was chosen after her mother, Hazel, a nurse at Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, attended a conference about young people growing up, which was being filmed by Channel 4.

"A member of the programme team came up to her and asked if our daughter would like to be involved. They wanted two girls so Rebecca asked Samantha," said Mr Whiteoak.

A spokesman for Channel 4 said the programme was a three-part documentary looking at the development of young girls. The first part is to be broadcast on Tuesday June 27, with the other two on July 4 and 5.

Rebecca's mother Hazel said: "I think both girls really enjoyed the whole experience. The film crew were sensitive and friendly and let the girls look through the cameras and play with the sound equipment."

She stressed that series title - Sex From 8 to 18 - did not really reflect the girls' involvement.

"It was all about shopping, music and their first impressions of boys," said Mrs Whiteoak.

Samantha's mother, Hazel Wardle, said: "There is no doubt that the girls enjoyed it. It is now just a question of how the programme-makers portray them. We will only get to see the programme the night before it is actually broadcast."

Mrs Wardle said the parents had expressed concerns about the programme's title and added: "We have allowed them into our homes to film the girls. It is all a matter of trust."