The secondary school section of the Peterborough Young People's Film Awards, held at The Broadway, saw youngsters, their proud families and teachers cram into the theatre in all their finery.

As the lights dimmed over a hushed auditorium and the music reached its crescendo, the audience burst into a huge spontaneous round of applause as the evening began.

The evening was hosted by master of ceremonies Michael Cross and the shortlists were introduced by guest presenters.

The audience were given a taste of the films before in true Hollywood style the presenters, some via video link, opened the golden envelopes to announce the winner.

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Also: In pictures: Peterborough Children's Film Awards 11 July 2008
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As each result was read out the audience erupted and the schools celebrated their achievements. The pupils made their way via spotlight to the stage to collect their trophies and pose for the obligatory photo opportunity from the paparazzi and talk to the press, The winners of the community documentary award for years 7 & 8 from The Voyager were clearly very excited as they left the stage.

Pupil Kayley Allpress said: "We can't believe it, especially when we saw the opposition. When we heard our names we just started screaming, we were so happy."

Winners:

• Years 7 & 8 Drama (Science fiction / Fantasy): The Voyager School for their film Gary's and Bert's Alien Adventure


• Years 7 & 8 Documentary (community): The Voyager School - Look Beyond Our Colour


• Years 9 & 10 Drama: (detective / mystery): Young Peoples Service - The Gum Shoe


• Years 9 & 10 Documentary (community): Bushfield Communtiy College - Welcome to Peterborough


• 11, 12 & 13 Drama (thriller/suspense): Bushfield Community College - Next of Kin


• Years 11, 12 & 13 Documentary (community): Bushfield Communtiy College - Scope


• Children and Young People's Services Awards: Youth Work Award - Unity Youth Team


• All Year Groups - Best Animation: Lets Get Going Group - Louise Whittle


• All Year Groups - Best Production Techniques: Orton Longueville School - I Knew a Guy


• All Year Groups - Best Acting" Bushfield Community College - Guilty


• All Year Groups - Best Overall Film: Lets Get Going Group - Louise Whittle

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Scooping the year 11, 12 and 13 documentary gong Bushfield Community College and Leanne Woods and Claire Woods, who minutes later were still in a state of shock.

Leanne said: "When we heard our name, my feet just would not work, I was so surprised. We are really proud for the school and everyone who was involved in the award."

Runner-up twice in the evening, it was third time lucky for Robert Ducket from Bushfield Community College who scooped the acting prize for his role in "Guilty".

A delighted Robert said: "I am really pleased, I love acting and directing, the whole performing range really. I am really proud."

Louise Whittle, as part of the Lets Get Going Group, won the Best Animation award for the second year in a row and was stunned to win the main award of the night Best Overall Film.

Louise from Hyholmes in Bretton, who attends school in Dorset because of her autism, but entered as part of the Peterborough Mencap scheme, said she had been inspired by the Wallace and Gromit creators.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted. I never thought I would win overall."

Organisers had managed to bag Michael Palin as the star guest via video link, and he gave Peterborough a boost by praising the junior cinematic efforts of the city before chief executive Gillian Beesley concluded the successful evening.

Peterborough city councils director of READ.WRITE.inspire Janet MacPhee, the driving force behind the awards, said: "I think it has been a fabulous evening.

"I think there is a huge amount of talent in the city.