FILM-MAKERS at York St John University took top honours at the prestigious Yorkshire Royal Television Society Student Awards, writes Nick Duquemin.

Students on the university’s Film & Television course scooped five awards in a ceremony at York Racecourse – more than any other institution in the competition.

Documentary director James Copson won two awards in the factual section, including the top prize for his film Andrea, an intimate portrait of his great aunt, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, and her disabled daughter, who became her carer.

York St John student films also took both runner-up prizes in the category.

James, described by the judges as a “rising talent”, was also honoured for his role in the short film Anorak, about trainspotters.

He shared the winner’s award with Arran Worsley, Sian Powell and Katy Yates, all fellow students at the university.

Martin Downie, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the university, said: “It’s a fantastic honour to win these top awards and a real endorsement of the quality and strength of the Film and Television programmes at York St John.

“To sweep the board in the factual category is the icing on the cake and is testament to the exceptional quality of teaching within the department.”

York St John students also took prizes in the fiction and entertainment sections of the competition, judged by industry professionals, including filmmakers and producers from the BBC and ITV.

The awards are seen as a stepping stone into film and TV, with previous entrants going on to top roles in the industry.

Past winners include Yorkshire-educated animator Emma Lazenby, who went on to win a BAFTA for best short animation in 2010.

James’s winning film will now be entered to represent Yorkshire in the national Royal Television Society awards in May.

Robin Small, senior lecturer in documentary film at York St John, worked with several of the winning students.

He said: “We’re thrilled. It’s an indication of the the strength of our teaching, and the quality of the kind of students we’re attracting.

“We’re delighted to have that sort of talent on our patch.”