Aardman, the animation company famed for bringing Wallace and Gromit to life, is coming to south Cumbria next week.

Its academy is hosting free stop-motion workshops at Stott Park Bobbin Mill, near Newby Bridge, for young people aged between 11 and 25 on Monday, July 22.

The 40-minute sessions will see animators from Aardman help attendees develop skills in paper animation, inspiring them to create their own short animated film at home.

The work is being carried out in partnership with English Heritage to explore history and heritage across the country through stop-motion animation.

Stott Park Bobbin Mill, where the workshops will be heldStott Park Bobbin Mill, where the workshops will be held (Image: Clare Wilson)

The workshops will introduce ways of bringing stories and characters to life using freely available kit, materials and apps, and will offer tips and tricks for creative storytelling.

The animators will also bring their own private film sets for visitors to see, along with puppets from the Chicken Run films.

In tandem with the workshops, a public display will be made available between 10am and 4pm, showcasing some of the most notable creations that Aardman has been behind.

Four workshops will be held on the day at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm.

Young film makers will learn the secrets behind stop motion animationYoung film makers will learn the secrets behind stop motion animation (Image: English Heritage)

The Aardman Academy is a renowned training facility based at the world-famous studio’s headquarters in Bristol.

It has committed itself to nurturing talent and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.

On the day, budding creatives will meet Aardman animators Hannah Brooks and Zoe Hutber, who will talk through their process of creating award-winning animations. 

English Heritage is a charity that cares for hundreds of historic sites across the nation.

It is their hope that, through the power of stop motion animation, they can not only inspire more young people to unleash their creativity, but also care more about locations of historical significance - including Stott Park Bobbin Mill.

Whilst the workshops are free, those interested are told to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

The public display does not require prior booking.