"I've no doubt that some great future filmmakers will come out of this programme, but more importantly, this scheme enables young people to be creative and to express themselves through film from an educational and social point of view. The benefits and rewards I'm sure will be great and my warmest congratulations go out to the winners and indeed all the young people who have taken part."

Richard Caborn MP, Lottery Minister, said:

"Thanks to the First Light programme, potential filmmakers of the future are getting their chance to turn their ideas and imagination into stories on the screen. The films made by young people here today, covering drama, comedy, horror, animation and documentary, are a wonderful example of how the Lottery's investment is paying off."

Sophie Ward, Actress and First Light Film Awards judge said:

"Firstly, congratulations to the Film Council and the First Light team who are creating the opportunity for young people to get involved in making films. I know how important it is for these stories to be told."

First Light Award Winner Chris Kempland (Suited and Booted Community Video) said:

"Really, really well done for the First Light Film Awards. It totally hit the nail on the head. I don't realistically think it could have been made any better, and the young people we brought along were totally blown away by the whole event, and that's not easy for 17 year olds! They also said that they would have had an equally good time even if they hadn't won anything! It was a true celebration of First Light."