TALENTED Ayr filmmaking students were crowned winners at a prestigious Television Awards.

A group of third-year students from University West of Scotland (UWS) received a special accolade for the best factual documentary “Grim Scheme Scotland”, which shone a light on the little-known, emerging grim music scene in Glasgow.

The six students, who are currently studying a BA in filmmaking and screen writing at the Ayr campus, scooped the coveted prize in the factual category for their film, which was commended for its honesty.

The University praised the students to come top amongst ‘such strong’ competition.

Professor Nick Higgins, Director of the Creative Media Academy at UWS, said: “We are delighted our students’ creative work has been recognised amongst such strong competition from within the higher education sector. Such accolades are testament not only to the students’ passion and talent, but also to the staff and mentors who nurture and encourage them to the next stage of their exciting careers.”

Also recognised at the awards were UWS students Alex Cormack, Julia Tirkkonen, Annie Phelan, Josh Partington, Eve Manson and Kirsty Scott, who were nominated in the drama category for their film “Lost Brothers”, which tells the story of two best friends struggling with guilt and grief in different ways.

Sponsored by STV, the glittering ceremony was held at The Everyman Cinema, Glasgow on Wednesday, February 5.

Sam Firth, Lecturer in the School of Business and Creative Industries, who taught the winning, students, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see so many students’ work from the BA filmmaking course being recognised in this way. I am always so impressed and inspired by our students’ passion, enthusiasm, talent and desire to tell stories about people from all walks of life.”