Young Sheffield film-makers win competition

Ryan Allison and Sarah Williams, from Parkwood Academy, Shirecliffe and Ben Charlesworth, Elijah Buckle and James Finn, from Yewlands Academy, Parson Cross, were selected from students across South Yorkshire.

Developed by the Youthlight campaigning group, students were challenged to produce a creative 15-second clip to encourage smokers to quit and prevent young people from taking up the habit.

Judge Colin Pons, course leader in film-making at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “Congratulations to everyone who entered the competition. I was truly impressed by the quality of short films submitted.

“All entries were judged on creativity, content and quality of delivery.”

Young film-maker Ben said: “It’s a real honour to have been awarded the ‘popular choice’ prize. We are really pleased that our film managed to generate the most likes and shares on social media.

“Although the subject matter we were asked to tackle was very serious, we wanted to create a film with some humour that people would enjoy watching and sharing with friends.”

Ryan, Sarah, Ben, Elijah and James have all won a Go Pro camera and a chance to attend an introduction to film-making lecture with Colin Pons at Sheffield Hallam University.

Every year, around 200,000 children in England start smoking regularly.

More than 65 per cent of them start before the age of 18 and more than 80 per cent by the age of 19.

For information Youthlight visit www.youthlight.co.uk