An aspiring film-maker has beaten thousands of applicants to train at a film academy.

Surbiton-based Connor Gulyer, 20, was accepted on the National Youth Film Academy’s (NYFA) first summer course this month.

He beat stiff competition by presenting his show reel and displaying his knowledge of film.

The NYFA has been on the hunt to discover the UK’s most talented film-makers and actors, searching for the next Danny Boyle and Michael Caine, and Mr Gulyer was only one of 60 that were chosen.

The academy hopes to raise his profile in the industry, launching his career in the film world.

The Make It Happen course brings together a group of 16-25 year olds to train in their chosen fields. Mr Gulyer said: “I feel ecstatic, but it should be the first stepping stone of my career.”

A showcase of the student’s talents to recognised industry professionals will be held at the British Film Institute on August 26.