YOUNGSTERS at a Dorchester school have received thousands of pounds to fund a Paralympic-inspired film project.

Children from the Prince of Wales School have received £5,000 of National Lottery funding through the First Light project to make their own film exploring disability.

The project was inspired by Paralympic medal winner and former Prince of Wales School student Mark Newton.

The end product will be an animated filmm which will involve all the children at the school who have a disability working alongside able-bodied children.

Youngsters who use wheelchairs will use wireless track-pads to control the animation cameras and pupils with cerebral palsy will be having an input into the creative process.

Children will also be tasked with creating music, sound effects and animated characters for the film.

First Light is a nationwide organisation that aims to help youngsters from all backgrounds develop their creative skills.

CEO of First Light Leigh Thomas said: “First Light gives young people, from all over the UK, a voice through which to share their
ideas and tackle issues relevant to them.

“By working with professional filmmakers they are able to produce high-quality films that they can be proud of.”

Acting assistant headteacher at the Prince of Wales School Gary Spracklen said pupils were excited about taking part in the filmmaking process.

He said: “The film project is a very exciting opportunity for all our pupils to engage with a professional level project.”

Mr Spracklen said the pupils had recently been working with a professional music producer in class to create some sounds for the film.

They have also received visits from other industry experts as they embark on the project and Mr Spracklen said they were all looking forward to seeing the finished product. He said: “So far our pupils have enjoyed working with a professional visual artist and screenwriter. We are all looking forward to seeing the final project.”