A YOUNG Filmmakers' Festival is being held to introduce students to the celluloid art - with the help of Thirsk's Ritz Cinema.

The week-long event will cater for 24 students from Thirsk schools who have applied to join the workshop run by professional filmmakers, Cube Media of York.

The workshop, to be run during next month's half-term holiday, is in conjunction with Rural Arts, North Yorkshire, also based in Thirsk.

One group will work on animated filming, the other on films/videos. They will film and edit their entry, which will then be shown to parents and friends on Saturday, November 2 at the cinema.

Organising chairman Jerry Allen from the Ritz said: "Lots of youngsters are interested in filmmaking nowadays and can even take it as their subject at college.

"The students will have the chance to use professional cameras, or become involved in directing, script writing, costumes and use high technology computers to make a 20-30 minute film or video."

The project is a costly one, but grants have been made by Thirsk Regeneration Initiative, North Yorkshire County Council, Hambleton District Council and Regional Arts.

Anyone interested in helping with the project should ring Gerry on (01845) 524751.