A GROUP of brave young film-makers have overcome their fears to make a prize-winning horror movie about spooky goings on at Alderbrook Primary School.

Fifteen pupils from the primary, in Ingatestone Road, scooped the prestigious Cineclub Award for their three minute-long masterpiece 'The Empty School.'

The film, which is based on the Spielberg classic, Matilda, won the silver prize in the homage category after overcoming intense competition from other schools across London and the South East.

The eerie production features a cast of youngsters embarking on a nerve-jangling journey through the school, as they follow the ghostly figure of a girl holding a red balloon.

The movie, which was created by members of the school's film club, ends on a terrifying knife-edge with viewers left guessing about the fate of the children.

The youngsters worked with film professionals to perfect the movie, taking part in script writing, casting, filming and editing - which took fifteen weeks to complete.

Headteacher Alan Wright said: "I was shocked when I first saw the film because it was so impressive.

"This is the first time we have ever done anything like this at the school.

"We believe very much in moving children outside of the classroom to build on what they have learnt in the classroom.

"It was great to see them using the school as a prop, an extension of their learning environment.

"It gave the pupils a chance to use their imagination and writing skills and channel them into a movie.

"The pupils learnt so many new skills including writing for different audiences, rewriting scripts to fit, being self-critical and looking through the eyes of someone else.

"This project really sparked enthusiasm and I am pleased that the film was recognised in the annual awards."

For more information visit: redbridgeictfilmawards.blogspot.com