Young filmmakers took their talent to the London stage today where they picked up a national award.



The Creative Film Production students from Stockton Riverside College were invited to the glittering ceremony at the Curzon Soho after impressing judges with their anti-smoking message.

Course lecturer Kelly Fairhurst said: "The students produced a short film that is really hard hitting."

She explained: "As part of the course we try to work on a campaign that will change the world that the students live in."

The anti-smoking message which forms the very basis of anti-smoking charity Cut Films - part of the Roy Castle Lung Foundation - seemed the perfect match.

Submitting their work to the national film contest, the talented bunch were delighted when their work was shortlisted and then left gobsmacked to be announced winner of the Young Judges' Choice Award.



With the students also named finalists for the national 16-19 Age Category Award and Overall Judges' Award, Kelly said: "The students' work is incredible and it is fantastic to see their efforts recognised with a national award.

"I couldn't be more proud of this group, I know they will go on to even bigger and better things."

Cut Films is an anti-tobacco youth charity working with young people, schools and youth groups to persuade young people not to smoke.

Young people are encouraged to transfer the message into short films to help spread the word. The national competition recognises some of the best.

The students were also given the chance to take part in a one-off question and answer session with guest speakers from the film and television industry, including director and writer Sheridan de Myers, director/screenwriter Oliver Parker and television writer, Tony Jordan.

Creative Film Production student Matty Dickens, 18, of Ingleby Barwick, said: "This is a great way to finish a successful two years at the college - we couldn't be happier. It has exceeded all of our expectations."