Actress Cathy Tyson landed in North Yorkshire - to offer expert advice to students preparing for careers in the film industry.

The actress, star of the movie Mona Lisa and TV series Band of Gold, was at RAF Linton-on-Ouse as part of an initiative by Screen Yorkshire and the UK Film Council.

The Caught Short scheme is an opportunity for emerging talent from the region to make digital short films of any genre.

Its latest venture is a romance between a couple serving in the RAF and Miss Tyson is giving her time free of charge to act as leading lady.

The producer, 18-year-old Harvey Ascott, said: "The RAF could not have been more helpful and co-operative. The characters in the film are recently out of the RAF, and Cathy's character sees aeroplanes as a symbol of the freedom she has lost by becoming a mother.

"It's fantastic to be able to film in the perfect location with such a wonderful actress as Cathy Tyson. This has given me the confidence to pursue this goal as a long-term career."

The film is being directed by Mike Ritchie from Tholthorpe, near York, and he hopes to use the production as his calling card to the industry.

Ms Tyson was delighted to help the aspiring movie makers and said: "It was a pleasure to work with such enthusiastic people who are starting out in their careers in the British film industry."

Tony Dixon, of Screen Yorkshire, said: "It is important that we support and develop the wealth of talent in the region and I am pleased that the team involved in making this film have the opportunity to work with the RAF."