A University of Cumbria postgraduate student has won an award from the Royal Television Society (RTS) for his film.

Kendal-based Peter Howarth's film Pine Marten won the Saving the Planet student category of the RTS North East and the Borders 2024 awards.

The six-and-a-half minute film explores the possibility of reintroducing one of Britain’s rarest mammals to the county.

He interviewed conservationists from the university-led ‘Back On Our Map’, a lottery-funded partnership project that sought to reintroduce 10 plant and animal species, including the Pine Marten, to Morecambe Bay.

Mr Howarth said: "What a rush hearing my name called out for the award.

The Westmorland Gazette: University of Cumbria staff and students at the 2024 Royal Television Society North East and the

"I am really proud of everything I have achieved in the last three years, a first-class degree, an RTS award, and hopefully soon a BBC credit.

"Fingers crossed this is the first step on my journey, I am now sat eagerly awaiting an Attenborough phone call - as surely it is only a matter of time."

His short film can be viewed on YouTube.

All aspects of the film, from camera work and lighting to sound and editing, were handled solely by Mr Howarth.

He gained special access to areas of scientific interest and protected zones.

The award was presented during a ceremony in Gateshead, where more than 400 people gathered to celebrate the best in programme making and broadcasting from the region.

Mr Howarth was one of four University of Cumbria students shortlisted in this year’s awards.

Wildlife Media graduates Abbey Wilkinson and Georgia Costin were recognised for their Tails of Cumbrian Heritage film on the protection of the county's Fell Ponies.

Matthew Athroll, a BA (Hons) Film and TV graduate, was shortlisted in the student Entertainment and Comedy Drama category for his three-minute film Poachers.

Mr Howarth's film can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ik4A24Y9Yg