YOUNG film-makers put their work on display to launch a film and animation festival at the weekend.

More than 20 pupils from Thirsk Comprehensive School created short films and animations as part of the Young Film Makers' Festival 2002, at the Ritz Cinema, in Thirsk.

The youngsters, aged between 12 and 16, were given five days to produce their work as part of the pilot festival, which was supported by Cube Media, of York, and Rural Arts North Yorkshire.

Students were given feedback by a team of producers and scriptwriters, including Margaret Matheson, who worked for many years on the BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small.

Gerald Allan, volunteer co-ordinator for the festival, said: "The students produced some very high quality work, and visitors to the showing and the experts were very impressed with the work they produced, considering they were only given five days to come with an idea and put it on to film.

"The festival is the first we have held, but it has been very successful and we want to make it an annual event, provided we get the same sort of support we had this year."

The Ritz Cinema is looking for volunteers to help run the attraction and future events. Anyone interested can call (01845) 522841. All volunteers will receive free passes to the cinema.