YOUNGSTERS enjoyed playing retro games before creating their own animations at Bournemouth University's BFX Festival conclusion at the weekend (OCT 3-4).

Bringing to an end the week-long event at the BIC, which involved some of the biggest names in special effects, animation and video games, the 'family weekend' saw children create their own characters using industry-standard software, and try their hand at stop motion animation.

BFX Festival director Sofronis Efstathiou said: "It is great to see young people involved with VFX, coding and programming.

"It has been really busy both days and great to see everyone enjoying themselves and getting hands on.

"People have come from Oxford and Worthing have come down to join us which is amazing.

"We have had everything from animation to coding and the parents seem to have enjoyed themselves too."

Former SpongeBob SquarePants scriptwriter Eric Scot Shaw flew in from the USA to run a workshop on writing for animation, providing a behind the scenes look at his journey to becoming a writer.

Stuart Sumida, a palaeontologist who has worked as an animal anatomy consultant on The Lion King, Life of Pi and Guardians of the Galaxy among other films gave a workshop on replicating animal movement on the big screen.

A big screen kept families entertained between talks with showings of animated hits Big Hero 6, How to Train your Dragon 2 and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Also, Walt Disney Animation studios generously lent BFX a selection of concept art from Big Hero 6, available to see in the BIC's main lobby until October 11.

The Computing Museum allowed youngsters and nostalgic parents to learn the basics of coding and see some of the very first computers used by the public, such as old BBCs, as well as arcade machines and several generations of video gaming consoles.

Mr Efstathiou added: "The festival has gone from strength to strength each year - we have seen an increase of 30 per cent in delegates and speakers.

"We have started attracting people like Disney, Pixar, ILM and MPC and this is hopefully something we can build on for the future as well."

For more information visit www.bfxfestival.com.