Human beings have been washing their hands since time began and Mobile phones have been around for nearly two generations. It is hard to think of anyone who doesn’t have one, but just in case they do still confuse you, West Sussex County Council decided to lend a helping hand.

They produced videos called ‘How to wash you hands properly” and ‘How to use a mobile phone’. Carefully going through how to make a call, send a text and save your favourite numbers, they put it up on the web last year.

They say that they ran 23 courses last year for 160 people wanting to learn how to use a basic mobile phone, and the film was made in order to promote the courses and ensure it reached more people.

But local residents who spoke to Watchdog questioned whether it really was an effective use of public money.

West Sussex County Council made the video, along with other such as ‘How to use a map and compass’ . They say that all of the films only cost a few hundred pounds each to make, and insist they are effective publicity and represent good value for money.

You can decide for yourself by looking at the film, and their full response, below.

At a time when saving money is top of the agenda across local and central government, Watchdog had a look at how West Sussex and other local councils are spending taxpayers’ money. The full report can be seen tonight at 8pm on BBC1.

West Sussex County Council told Watchdog:

‘Each film cost just £300 to make, from existing budgets. Last year we ran 23 courses for 160 people wanting to learn how to use a basic mobile phone. The film, to promote the courses, ensured we reached even more people. It was taken off when attendances were extremely high. We also run popular silver surfer courses for the many older people who also want to learn internet technology.

How to Wash your Hands’ was made at the height of the H1N1 virus as a health protection video, using special light to show that many people simply don’t do it properly.

Our in-house films are also on DVD and shown at Libraries and Help Points. The camera and editing equipment has earned more in income than it cost to buy. This is effective publicity and good value for money.’

What flipping planet do these people live on! Think about it – over a billion mobile phones sold and West Sussex County Council believe that we need a £300 video to tell us how to use one! Good God!

Nice to know that our money is being wasted in this way – thanks to BBC watchdog for alerting us on this one!