Ben Derrick, 18, and Timothy Reynard, 17, both former pupils at St Aidan's and St John Fisher Associated Sixth Form, presented their new works in front of an invited audience of 200 that included Hugo Heppell, the head of Screen Yorkshire and producer of The Damned United, Raef Bjayou from The Apprentice and the Mayor of Harrogate, Coun Pat Jones.

Ben's film, A Convenient Truth, is an action-packed drama that sees a student and a secret agent team up to uncover a Government secret, while Timothy's movie, Four Times, tells the story of a young man who takes revenge on his former lovers.

"It went really well, the films were very well-received," Ben said after the premiere.

The pair are now looking to take their movies to a wider audience by screening them across Harrogate and Pateley Bridge, and entering them at film festivals. Ben is also showing his previous film, Fashion Police, at the Los Angeles branch of the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, which takes place from July 30 to August 6.

"It's been confirmed that the film has been accepted and now I've got the funding to go and promote it as well," he said.

Ben is a technician at St Aidan's, while Timothy is working at Odeon Harrogate. He hopes to move to London in January to attend film school.

rick.burin@ypn.co.uk

Cinema-goers in Harrogate will be able to watch films come to life in 3D from next week thanks to the installation of a new digital screen at the Odeon.

Armed with a pair of high-tech, polarized 3D glasses, audiences can enjoy new movie Ice Age 3 in an up close and personal way - and there will be more releases to follow throughout the year.

Simon Davis, general manager at Harrogate Odeon, said: "The team is thrilled to be bringing a truly immersive 3D cinema experience to our town."

Alternative 3D screenings, including sports events, popular music concerts, opera and ballet, are also in the pipeline.

l Turn to page 24 for local cinema listings.