MAKING a minute-long movie about a musical monk has won a young animator an award at a film festival.

James Shepherd’s film, Monk Rocker, won the best one-minute film award for ages six to 12 at the Kids For Kids Festival, last week, in Durham.

The 12-year-old from Byers Green, Spennymoor, County Durham, created the stop-motion animation, which features a monk made from clay who breaks out of the mould of choral singer to become a rock guitarist.

He made the models and directed the movie, which was one of many from across the country shown at the festival organised by Jack Drum Arts, based in Crook, County Durham.

James said he had been inspired to be an animator after watching a programme about the making of Wallace and Gromit when he was eight.

Festival judge Rob Galbraith said: “James’ film captured the imagination and it was clear he’d done it all himself. It has to be one of the best things I’ve ever seen.”

Organiser Helen Ward said the festival, now in its second year, had attracted many high-quality entries.

She said: “James’ film was a stand-out entry.”

To see Monk Rocker, go to youtube.co.uk