A STUDENT film-maker from Oxford has received £10,000 from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) to help him become an animator.

Morgan Ritchie was given the money towards his Masters in directing animation at the National Film and Television School.

Mr Ritchie, 28, is a former pupil from St Edward’s School in Summertown, Oxford, and has a degree in illustration from Edinburgh College of Art.

He said: “It’s an incredible honour to receive this scholarship and I’m absolutely thrilled to have been chosen.

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“The financial assistance will go a long way to facilitate my studies.

“I’m looking forward to accessing resources from the best and brightest talent in the British film and television industry.

“I never thought at this stage in my career these things would be possible and I am enormously grateful for this amazing opportunity.”

Mr Ritchie, who now lives in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, was one of 21 students to be given financial support.

As well as the grant, they will be mentored by BAFTA members, award-winners and nominees, and be given free access to BAFTA events.

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