More than 200 young people, teachers, parents and youth group organisers attended the 22nd RTS Festival to celebrate the work of young media producers.

The event, hosted by long term partners Teesside University, has been expanded to two evening events, timed to allow schoolchildren to travel from across the region.

Eighteen entries were made to the Junior event, where the later start time proved extremely popular. More than 170 people attended the screening.

And there were 22 entries to the Senior event. This year it was divided into three categories with certificates to mark attainment:

• Entertainment - Slegna Redrum (Sacred Heart School, Redcar)
• Factual - The Long Goodbye (Stockton Riverside College)
• Drama – Aplomb (Stockton Riverside College)

Sacred Heart School, Redcar, with Tony Edwards

Commendation Certificates were presented to Digital Voice for Communities and Northern Stars Film Academy in recognition of their support for youth productions. A new category, recognising the work of professionals supporting media production by young people will be introduced for next year’s event

The event was presented by Matt Dennis, Chair of Judges, and Tony Edwards, Chair of the Steering Group. Feedback was provided to all entrants.

Matt Dennis told the audience: ‘The judges were impressed by the tremendous variety of work submitted, from animations and film trailers to current affairs and drama’.

Tony Edwards added: “Here in the North East and the Border Centre, we are committed to initiatives to further opportunities for the work of young people to be recognised.”

The Festival was also supported by Sunderland University and Gateshead College.

OLWYN HOCKING