North Somerset children go to Noscars

Following in the footsteps of Steven Spielberg and Kathryn Bigelow young filmmakers from North Somerset attended their own Oscar-style awards ceremony.

Children from primary and special schools across the district donned ball gowns and tuxedos for the glittering Noscars.

The Noscars celebrates how animation and film-making techniques are being developed engaging all learners, firing the imagination through team work and demonstrating young people's creativity.

The event, now in its fifth year, has become a highlight in the school calendar, organised by North Somerset Council and partner Agilisys.

Arriving by limousines to the snaps of paparazzi flashes, the talented youngsters and their techers arrived at the Winter Gardens on Weston-super-Mare's seafront.

Schools created short films based on the theme of Olympics 2012 and industry bosses praised their fantastic and professional efforts.

A total of 24 films were shortlisted and winners were announced at the gala event.

Aardman Animations creative director Merlin Crossingham was the surprise guest compere and presented prizes to those winners in the Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Special Schools categories.

The event has once again drawn a fantastic portfolio of sponsorship with the likes of Aardman Animations, Weston Apple Regional Training Centre, Kudlian, Groupcall, Oscar Stringer, Agilisys and Liberata.  

Key Stage 1 winners

First - Walliscote Primary School, Weston-super-Mare

Second – Hannah More Infant School, Nailsea

Third – West Leigh Infant School, Backwell

Key Stage 2 winners

First – Mendip Green Primary School, Weston-super-Mare

Second - Walliscote Primary School, Weston-super-Mare

Third – Castle Batch Primary School, Weston-super-Mare

Special school winners

First – Baytree School, Weston-super-Mare

Special awards

Clarity of message – West Leigh Infant School, Backwell

Storyboard - Winscombe Primary School

Camera techniques – St Andrew's CE Primary School, Congresbury

Special effects – Walliscote Primary School, Weston-super-Mare

Sound - St Andrew's CE Primary School, Congresbury

Animation – Yatton Junior School

North Somerset Council executive member for children and young people's services Jeremy Blatchford said: "I continue to be tremendously impressed at the variety and quality of the material that is being produced - in fact it is quite humbling seeing the care and time our young people have put in and it is a fitting tribute that their efforts are recognised at this special event."

The Nailsea councillors added: "It is also great that renowned organisations continue to lend their support and backing to our young film makers."

For more photos in the gallery click HERE.