A STUDENT from Terra Nova School has come runner up in the International Cinemagic Young Film Makers competition.

Abigail Pickersgill, who created an animation with plasticine, was invited to attend the Belfast Film Festival where 150 entries had been entered in the U15 age group.

As a finalist, the 12-year-old had her film screened in the Northern Irish capital and came a very close second with organisers and sponsors admitting they loved her films.

Mark Mitchell, Terra Nova headmaster, said: “Abigail is an absolute inspiration. She has always had a passion for art and creating models but this award shows just how hard-working and talented she is.”

Abigail started making models aged nine after seeing the work of Shaun the Sheep creator Nick Park. Characters, such as Timmy’s Dinosaur, were inspired by her granddad, who used to tell her stories he’d made up.

She said: “My school has been very supportive. When I began making the models I would bring them into school to show to Mrs Fontes and Mrs Cross.

“They thought they were amazing, and so scoured the country for competitions for me to enter. In my DT lessons with Mrs Curtis I have also been able to make some models for a moving sculpture, so school has allowed me to follow my passion.”

The school said they were very proud of what Abigail has achieved.

Mr Mitchell added: “The creative curriculum is an important part of our learning at Terra Nova and I know many of our pupils will be inspired by her achievement.”