A FILM-MAKER who studied at Stonyhurst College won a prestigious award at a glitzy ceremony in New York.

Director David Barnes, 35, walked up on stage with the cast and crew of BBC Two programme ‘Same But Different’ to collect the prize at the second International Kids Emmy Awards.

It came as welcome recognition after the programme just missed out on a BAFTA win last year.

After accepting the award in the Big Apple, the former Mill Hill St Peter’s and Stonyhurst student handed the award to two of the film’s stars, nine-year-old Phoebe Maddison, and Archie Collins.

The hour-long film follows the lives of primary school children with a range of disabilities, learning difficulties, and medical conditions.

It was designed for use in school assemblies and personal, social and health education lessons at schools to help encourage understanding and inclusion.

David, from Blackburn, said: “Winning was very unexpected. It was a shock but it was very exciting.

“Same But Different is a heart-felt documentary and it’s honest in that the programme is what it says on the tin.”

David now lives in Manchester, and has also shot promotional videos for music legend Johnny Marr of The Smiths.

He added: “I will just carry on doing what I’m doing. I have had a very exciting year so far, and we have a few things in the pipeline.”

His proud father, 76-year-old Frank, said his son had worked ‘hard’ for his award.

Frank, who lives with his wife Veronica in the family home in Victoria Road, Pleasington, said: “The film is very good. The kids are fantastic.

“Each has a disability but the film is about them explaining that they are the same as everybody else.”