PUPILS from Commonweal School are back in reality this morning after attending a glitzy award ceremony in London.

The students went to a star-studded gala UK film festival ceremony and rubbed shoulders with Shakespearan actor Sir Ian McKellan (pictured), who played Gandalf in Lord of the Rings.

The budding filmmakers members of the school's dyslexic unit were at the event as they had been nominated for Best Animation in a competition run by the UK Film Festival.

Although they narrowly missed out on top prize, the children received praise for their short film, Postman Tap.

The animation was shot at Swindon's Cre8 Studios last year.

It tells the story of a dyslexic postie who discovers that he has hidden talents.

Headteacher Keith Defter said: "It came as a pleasant surprise to learn that the children had been shortlisted for this award.

"The piece was very positive about dyslexia."

The ceremony was held in Leicester Square and was also attended by Rupert Grint who plays Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter series.