Media students were given a rare insight into the film industry and the life of a Bafta-winning actress at an exclusive film screening.

The fifteen young people from Highams Park School sixth form, in Handsworth Avenue, Highams Park, made the the trip to the Courthouse Hotel in London on Thursday, where they watched The Young and Prodigious T S Spivet and had a Q&A session with Helena Bonham Carter.

The film star and two-time Academy award nominee "amused and educated" students about the film industry and her career choices, acccording to the school's head of English and Media, Chris Harris.

Speaking about the event organised by education charity, Into Film, Ms Bonham Carter said: "I loved it and I loved their interest and enthusiasm. 

"So many people watch films on their own at home and it’s not a communal thing, so for me to sit here and hear the laughter, the appreciation and the jokes was wonderful."

Mr Harris described the film, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, as "charming, lyrical and creative".

He added: "To top it off we had a Q&A with the film's star Helena Bonham Carter who amused and educated us about film processes and actor choices when answering a series of questions by students.

"My A-Level media students were deeply impressed and can’t wait for the next trip."