A group of students from Bradford College have spent their summer holiday making a full-length feature film.

The young film-makers completed a five-week shoot with the Co-operative British Youth Film Academy, making a big-screen version of Shakespeare’s Richard II.

The film is one of a series of Shakespearian history plays, also including Henry IV Part 1 and 2, and Henry V, shot by the BYFA around the UK over summer.

Mentored by professionals from the film industry, students learned about all aspects of film-making, including acting, make-up, wardrobe, camera work and post-production.

The Co-operative Group has announced a £1.2 million six-year partnership to continue BYFA’s work with young people.

Jack Davis, 16, of Eccleshill, who is studying performing arts at the Bradford School of Arts and Media, played the lead role of Richard II.

He said: “I couldn’t believe it when the director rang and told me I had the main part. Through school I wasn’t great then I came here and I just found myself again.

“I loved every second of this summer’s filming, I learned so much from the workshops and mentors that I can take back to my work at college.”

Twins Abbie and Becky Chilton, 18, also from Eccleshill, played twins in the film. Becky, who also sang on the soundtrack, said: “It was fantastic. It has inspired people to go further – I was more interested in singing but I’m now keen to pursue both singing and acting.”

Filming took place at Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education, where students experienced hands-on film-making with director John Montegrande. A previous BYFA film he worked on with students has been accepted into this year’s prestigious Raindance Film Festival.

Michael Fairclough, the Co-operative Group’s head of community and co-operative investment, said: “The Co-operative’s partnership with BYFA is playing a key role in helping to bring about a cultural shift in the way young people are viewed and treated in this country.”