ARTS: Awards recognise young film talent

Nine categories were featured in the awards, which were hosted by television presenter Brian Dowling. They were attended by Charles Clarke, education secretary, and Richard Caborn, Lottery minister.

Award presenters included Men Behaving Badly actor Martin Clunes and Bend It Like Beckham star Parminder Nagra, while judges included Hollywood star Cate Blanchett and The Full Monty screenwriter Simon Beaufoy.

Winners included Project Ability, in Glasgow, which scooped the best animation category while Achievement Bute, of the Isle of Bute, won best comedy.

The best film made by over-11s was judged to be Burger the Kid, made by Hall Place Studios in Leeds.

Clarke said: "These awards give young people a chance to express their thoughts and experiences of social issues in a creative way." To date, 4,000 young people have made more than 250 films in the First Light scheme, which was launched in May 2001.

www.firstlightmovies.com.