AN Oscar-winning filmmaker has returned to her school to inspire pupils with the story of her Hollywood success.

Serena Armitage, who attended Nun Monkton Primary School, near York, from 1985 to 1990, produced Stutterer, which won the Academy’s Short Film Live Action category this year.

The drama, which had already won a number of prestigious awards, was made by Ms Armitage's company Bare Golly Films.

The film tells the story of the struggles a young man with a speech impediment, but an eloquent inner voice. After falling in love online, he has to face his greatest fear – meeting and speaking to his new-found love in person.

Ms Armitage said: “I had five wonderful years at Nun Monkton School and it has been a privilege to return. I have been overwhelmed by the reaction from the school and the village, which has been humbling. I really hope my experience can inspire others and prove that even our wildest dreams can come true.”

“It was a very special experience coming back to the village where I grew up with the Oscar.

"The village were celebrating their annual St Peter’s Day feast, so there was a carnival atmosphere. To be able to bring my Oscar and be part of that celebration meant an awful lot to me."

The film has been selected for almost 30 prestigious film festivals and took home the Best Foreign Film prize from the Oscar-qualifying Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, the Special Jury Award at Savannah Film Festival, the Best International Short Film Prize at Kerry Film Festival, the Best Drama Award at Aesthetica Short Film Festival and many more.

Ms Armitage has worked for ITV for 10 years, producing and directing some of the UK’s most popular television shows such as Come Dine with Me, Piers Morgan’s Life Stories and the BAFTA nominated TV series Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs.