Budding young filmmakers were celebrated for their efforts with an inaugural film festival.

The Elstree Film Festival was run by the world famous Elstree Studios to congratulate pupils and teachers from across Hertsmere in taking place in the three week event.

The event took place in association with Elstree University Technical College (EUTC) to give children from 12 schools a taste of producing film and television footage.

Children were mentored by professional members of the film industry as well as current students at EUTC and were given workshops in filming and editing.

The schools who took part were Wroxham Primary School, Queens’ School, Parkside Community School, Monksmead School, Summerswood Primary, Little Redding’s School, St Giles, St Teresa’s Catholic School, Bushey Meads School, Ladbrooke School, St Nicholas C of E School and Saffron Green School.

Managing Director of Elstree Studios and one of the founders and Chairman of the EUTC Roger Morris said: “As we celebrate Elstree Studios’ 90th year, it is important for the film industry to engage young students in filmmaking to inspire them to become the filmmakers of tomorrow.

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response, and we hope this Film Festival will become an annual event and a model for other regions in the UK who wish to inspire young people to work in the Creative Industries.”

Year 5 teacher at Little Reddings Primary School Dave Presky said: “Our students have had a great over view of the film making process, pitched and story boarded their ideas, then written their scripts which led to the film making process supported by the expertise of the UTC students.

“It's a rare privilege to have such expertise visit our school and work with our children, so they can fully understand the full range skills that go into the film and television making process.”