CHILDREN and teens in Castle Point have produced a DVD of animated films.

Youngsters aged eight to 14 attended the Art Factory Animation workshop in Benfleet.

They learned about the history of animation, wrote their own plots, constructed characters out of modelling clay and produced a series of short animation films which were made into a DVD.

Bethany Christmas, eight, of Hatley Gardens, Benfleet, attended the five-day course at the group's base in Armstrong Road, Benfleet.

She said: "I absolutely loved it. My film was about a train. I chose a train because trains travel and I thought if I moved the scenery in the background it would look realistic.

"I really enjoy art so it was one of the best weeks of my holiday so far."

Elliot Bigden, 12, of New Road, Hadleigh, attended the workshop with his brother, Lewis, who is nine. Elliot said: "It was great. I made a film about Crocky the Crocodile, who worked in McDonalds and tried to eat customers.

"One customer who he attacked fended him off by stuffing hamburgers down his throat.

"I made the models out of modelling clay, then the teachers showed me how to make them float."

His mother, Lucia Bigden, added: "The boys really enjoyed it and I think it's good for them to carry on using their imagination during the school holidays. I think it's important for them to be creative and use their artistic talents."

For information on other courses, call Lyn McFarlane on 01268 565800, or visit the website at www.theartfactory.org