YOUNG film-makers received a heroes' homecoming as they returned from London clutching a national film award and with exciting stories of seeing the stars who play James Bond and Newt Scamander on the big screen.

Ecstatic pupils from Barrow Island Primary School scooped a national award at the 2017 Into Film Awards for their short film, The Lost Station.

The excited youngsters were honoured at a star-studded red carpet ceremony at the Odeon Leicester Square, attended by luminaries from the film industry including James Bond actor Daniel Craig and Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, who recently starred in the JK Rowling scripted blockbuster Fantastic Beasts And Where to Find Them.

The thrilled Year Six group took to the stage to collect the Best Documentary Award for children under 12 years. Actors Charlotte Hope (Game of Thrones) and Alexandra Roach (Testament of Youth, The Iron Lady, Utopia) presented the award to the children.

The pupils made The Lost Station with Signal Film and Media in Barrow. It tells the story of the former Barrow Island Shipyard Station using simple animated techniques and the memories of local residents to create a heart-warming record linking generations. This project was funded by Heritage Lottery.

The Lost Station from Into Film on Vimeo.

Also present at the Odeon for the Barrow Island win were celebrated actors Ruth Wilson, Charles Dance, and Amma Asante, and the ceremony was hosted by radio presenter Edith Bowman.

Super proud Barrow Island headteacher, Janet Dixon said the cross-curricular project covered

history, writing for a real purpose, interviewing and presenting skills and film-making.

Mrs Dixon said the highlight was visiting London and the ceremony, a first trip to the capital for most of the group. She said the whole project was a totally inclusive. A pupil who has autism was really engaged with the project through his passion for trains.

Mrs Dixon said: "It was a fabulous day. This is amazing for the pupils and Barrow Island Primary School. This was a once in a lifetime experience, and the children know that.

"We didn't quite realise how big the event was until we got there. It was like a mini Oscars with Daniel Craig, Eddie Redmayne and Charles Dance there.

"This experience will raise aspirations. The children will also get a lot more curriculum work out of this trip. We will continue to work with Signal Film and Media. We are very grateful to them, they are wonderful to work with."

The children and staff loved the homecoming welcome by cheering parents with banners at Barrow train station.

Rob Eccles, a parent and school governor, said: "It's absolutely tremendous, it's typical of the enthusiasm of the wonderful kids and the totally dedicated staff and the best head. It's a proper community school.
"It's been one big adventure for the pupils. Their great efforts have paid off."

Mr Eccles' daughter Beth, 10, who is now an award-winning film-maker said: "I'm very proud of all the pupils and my school. When we heard we'd won we all cheered. It was amazing. It is a life changing trip. I hadn't been to London before and saw James Bond."

Steph Byrant, project manager at Signal Film and Media, said: "It's truly incredible that Barrow Island Primary School were at Leicester Square in London, alongside stars such as Daniel Craig to receive their award. I'm deeply moved to see their work celebrated and about time that this town is recognised again for its creativity. This award puts the town back on the map.

I'm so proud to say I work on these amazing projects that enable imaginations and stories to be picked out of local brains, and reformed into films ready for screens around the country. The film we produced with the Barrow Island school celebrates the heritage of the town and we want to thank the Heritage Lottery fund for making our work possible. We hope to work on further schools and community projects."

Into Film, an education organisation supported by the BFI through National Lottery funding, contributed to the travel expenses as did others including; parents, Rumic Foundation, Holker Estates, Barrow Island Bowling Club, The Royal, Chandlers and the Cross Keys.

Tesco provided goody bags for the children.