ALIEN invasions, wacky westerns and Gangnam Style renditions were but a few of the highlights at this year’s Primary School Film Awards, held at Cineworld Cinema.

More than 300 schoolchildren took part in the scheme which brought together eight primary schools from across St Helens for a short-film screening spectacular.

Lee Murad, who runs film making workshops in schools, assisted the children with their productions, from filming through to editing, and organised the awards ceremony. He believes that it is a great addition to the curriculum.

Mr. Murad said: “The projects I run are designed to boost a child’s confidence in and out of the classroom. If children are quiet or shy at the beginning of the day, you’ll usually find that they’re up on their feet singing and dancing and getting involved by the end of the day.”

Lee runs regular film making workshops for primary schools all over Merseyside. He also holds workshops to raise awareness of bullying and other issues commonplace in schools.

Mrs Low, teacher at Merton Bank Primary, said: “Lee’s been running filming workshops with us for three years now. He’s great working with the kids and really brings out the best in them.

“Film projects such as these are an important part to a child’s education. They build team work, focus creativity and create an overall positive educational experience in schools.”

Chris Woodhouse, general manager at Cineworld Cinema, offered the facilities to Mr Murad free of charge.

He believes it is a great opportunity for the business to give back to the community: “Cineworld is proud to help out local projects such as these.

“Showing the children’s films on a real cinema screen really makes the whole experience come to life for the pupils. They’ve all worked hard creating the films and enjoy watching them back on the big screen.”

Lee is encouraging local businesses to take an interest in the event and sponsor it next year, as funding is a problem for many of the schools.

For details, contact leemurad@hotmail.co.uk.

And the winners are

Best Film: Merton Bank’s The Wacky Western

Best actress: Elizabeth Thompson, for The Woman in Black

Best Script: Allanson Street Primary for their original script for Jamie Blond

Best Actor: Owen Adams for his performance in James Pong