STUDENTS from six secondary schools have been getting tips on filmmaking from the professionals.

They have been creating their own Plasticine characters inspired by Wallace and Gromit under the watchful of Sylvia Bull.

She produces storyboards for Aardman Animations, the company behind the award-winning pair.

She has been helping the group of 24 create their own animated storyboards.

The Year 10 pupils, aged 14 and 15, from St Joseph's, Kingsdown, Churchfields, Hreod Parkway, Greendown Community and Pewsey Vale School have been attending the workshops at the University of Bath in Swindon.

Sylvia is working with the youngsters over four days in fun lessons that started this week.

Anne Olesen, broadening and developing officer at the university, and organiser of the event, said: "The kids are really great. They have listened and seen the animations in practice and have now come up with some interesting ideas themselves when they worked in pairs or small groups.

"They have produced some great work so far and we can't wait to see the end results."

The lucky participants were handpicked as they come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The aim of the project is to raise confidence and provide them with the inspiration to get involved in higher education. Students have learnt from other animation professionals about character-making and sound effects.

They used Plasticine or cut-out collages to create short animated films that will premier to their family and friend at the end of the four days.

The free workshop was part of the university's Creative Arts Week programme aimed at raising aspirations and participation in higher education.

It gives young people the opportunity to try new activities in a higher education setting and to learn from undergraduates at the university about life as a student.

It is the fourth year of Creative Arts Week at the university's Oakfield campus.