As Bradford gears up for the UK's biggest animation festival, its university students are honing the skills which could lead to them working on the blockbusting films of the future.

Bradford University has been running a degree in animation for the past seven years.

Graduates have gone on to work on some big name productions including the Harry Potter films, Prince Valiant, Wallace and Gromit, Lord of the Rings and Lost in Space.

About 80 students join the university each year to pick up the technical skills needed to create films, video games and websites.

Two of this year's students are up for an award at this year's Royal Television Society Awards.

Second year student James Rodgers has been nominated on the animation category for his short film Oui, Oui.

And Mark O'Shea is hoping to pick up an award for his piece Mobile Memories in the non-fiction category.

Ian Palmer, deputy dean of the School of Informatics, said: "Animation is the most popular course so we have around 80 students a year and we are one of the best courses in the country.

"Students learn the technical side of animating characters and also learn about the acting side, such as how people walk and move."

Bradford Animation Festival 2006 runs from Wednesday, November 15, to Saturday, November 18, at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

The university is working in partnership with the organisers and will be hosting a games event and taking part in feature talks, discussions and workshops alongside industry experts.

Highlights at this year's BAF include an appearance from top animator Dave Burgess, a director of Dreamworks, with the studios latest release Over the Hedge.

He has also worked on renowned films such as Shrek and worked a lengthy period with Disney.

Bafta and Emmy award-winning animator Joanna Quinn will also attend with her latest short film Dreams and Desires-Family Ties.

e-mail: saima.mir@bradford.newsquest.co.uk