Stars help film-makers

The Two Towers actress Cate Blanchett and Gimme Gimme Gimme star Kathy Burke are helping to give young film-makers a break.

They are among the well-known names on the judging panel for the First Light Young Filmmakers Awards to be handed out later this month.

Young people between seven and 18 have entered digital short films made with British Film Council grants including animations, horror, documentaries and comedies.

Other judges include Martin Clunes, Full Monty screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, Nick Moran, and director Mike Leigh.