A GROUP of Colne youngsters could be on the path to movie fame after receiving a festive boost of thousands of Lottery pounds to make a film.

Up to 11 young people aged from 10 to 17 from the town will work with Colne's Zumamedia Arts Limited, using £4,000 provided by First Light, the UK Film Council's young person's film-making initiative.

The cash will help bring their innovative short film idea about the interesting journey of a football to reality.

The drama, Journey of the Mitre, follows the path of a football as it makes its way down a hill, pausing to note the characters and events it passes during its journey.

And the finished film could even feature at the 2006 First Light Film Awards ceremony, the annual celebration of First Light film-making across the UK that takes place in London's Leicester Square.

First Light Chief Executive Officer, Pip Eldridge said: "First Light is drawn to the most unusual and creative ideas and Journey of the Mitre has a fantastic premise.

"We consequently have very high hopes for this project, especially as it is the first we have funded in Colne."

UK Film Council chief executive officer John Woodward said: "It's great that more than 400 young people across the UK will be able to get their first taste of film-making thanks to this Lottery funding.

"First Light gives young people the chance to let their imagination run wild and channel their creativity into making films while learning valuable skills.

"Several of the young people involved in First Light projects have gone on to win awards for their work -- this funding means that more young people from across the UK will have the chance to follow that success."

First Light enables five to 18-year-olds across the UK to make short films under the guidance of professional filmmakers.

The youngsters learn a range of film-making skills, including scriptwriting, producing, editing, acting, sound, lighting and directing, as well as improving their personal development, communication and team working skills.