A SHORT film made by talented Swindon students was screened at a national film festival in London.

Pauline Quirke Academy classmates spent hours throughout their school year carefully writing, performing, directing and producing every element of their film Clique.

Their efforts were rewarded when the judging panel for the Pauline Quirke Academy National Film Festival picked their short to be shown alongside 14 others at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square.

The students walked the red carpet with their parents and teachers before seeing the film on the big screen and attending an awards ceremony.

The festival showcased the best short films made by pupils from the 170 Pauline Quirke Academies around the UK, including Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Bristol.

Dee Thompson, Principal at PQA Swindon, said: ” I am so proud of my students. They have worked really hard and all of their work has really paid off, this is an amazing achievement for them and the academy."

Nick Pilton, head of film and television at PQA, said: “I would like to congratulate all the Academies, students and staff who have contributed fantastic films.

"It is a great achievement and testament to the quality of film and television education at the academies.

"These festival events are a chance for students to not only see their films on the big screen, but also to have an opportunity to learn new things about filmmaking and to meet other young filmmakers and actors."