YOUNGSTERS at a York secondary school got a taste of Hollywood when a film director dropped in on lessons.

James Watkins, the director of chilling new thriller Woman In Black, which stars Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe, visited students at Joseph Rowntree School to talk about his new film and give some careers advice.

The director, whose credits include the critically acclaimed Eden Lake, spoke to about 40 students aged 13 to 18, who are members of education charity FILMCLUB – an initiative which helps schools and colleges set up and run educational film clubs for young people to learn through a variety of films.

During the visit, Mr Watkins talked about Woman In Black, which is an adaptation of the Susan Hill’s regularly studied spooky ghost novel and successful stage adaptation, as well as what inspired him to become a film director, how he broke into the film industry and his own favourite films.

The film also stars York Oscar-nominated actress Janet McTeer who went to Queen Anne School off Bootham, and whose parents, Jean and Allan, live in Haxby.

Mr Watkins said: “When I was at school, I never saw the possibilities.

“It was a completely alien and foreign world to me and I had no idea how to get involved in film and I never even thought it would be a reality.

“So for people like to me to come along to speak to students and say ‘look, I was like you. These are the opportunities and here’s how you might pursue them’ – any career guidance I think is a good thing.”

Teacher and film club leader Pip Doust said: “The visit was absolutely fantastic, just brilliant.

“It was so simple to sort out and to organise him coming in. He was really at ease and the students were asking lots of questions.”

For anyone interested in starting a film club in a school, FILMCLUB are inviting education professionals to join the scheme through a free online start-up session.

Visit filmclub.org for more details and to register, or phone 0207 288 4520.