IT was lights, camera, action for a young film critic, after he was invited to the London headquarters of BAFTA.

Karl Bainbridge was one of just four teenagers shortlisted in the 15 to 19 years category for the 2009 Young Critic of the Year prize; and his nomination won him a seat at the prestigious awards ceremony, held at the British Academy for Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) last month.

The New College Durham Media Studies student was praised for his review of the film Four Months, Three Weeks, Two Days.

He said: "It was a surprise to learn that I had been nominated for the award. I spend most of my free time watching films and then complaining about them so being a critic is the perfect role for me."

Mary MacLeod, Karl’s Media Studies lecturer, said: "I am delighted that one of my students has been nominated for the Young Critic of the Year award. This is a great honour for Karl and for the college and shows the strength of the Media course."