A KIRKBY Stephen-based animation company is lending its talents in organising a major film festival for young people.

Sisters Bryony, Cadi and Linnhe Catlow, the directors of film company, 3 Bear Animations, have helped organise this year's Co-operative Young Film Makers Festival.

The annual celebration of cinema is targeted at young people aged 21 and under and aims to give a new understanding of TV and film productions.

This year's festival will take place at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, in Bradford. A programme brimming with activities boasts more than 30 events for children and young people aged five to 21.

"We're particularly proud of the programme this year," said joint event coordinator Bryony Catlow.

"We have Nick Dudman coming up from the set of Harry Potter Four, to talk about his work as special effects supervisor on films such as Star Wars and Harry Potter, which we are very excited about."

In addition to the workshops and talks, there will be screenings of films made by young people from places as far flung as Armenia and Australia.

"We received around 400 entries this year and selected 100 for screening. The filmmakers are of all ages and abilities ranging from five and six year olds to 21 year olds, producing films of almost professional quality," said Cadi Catlow.

Some of the films will receive awards from organisations and companies involved in the film industry including 3 Bear Animations, BBC Blast and the British Film Institute.

"We decided to present an award at the festival because we want to encourage the next generation of animators," said Linnhe Catlow.

"We used to enter Co-Operative Young Film Makers ourselves when we were younger and the festival definitely inspired us to continue to produce animation. We know from experience how important it is to have encouragement when you're starting out," she added.

Co-operative Young Film Makers 2004 is open to everyone and will run today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday). Entry to the majority of the events is free. For a full programme see www.film-makers.co-op.co.uk or call the festival office on 0161-2462216.