A PONTYPOOL-BASED film maker has unanimously won a film competition - taking the top prize of £25,000.

Andy Toovey won the competition, The Pitch, which is an opportunity for filmmakers to pitch a short film idea that draws themes from The Bible to win a budget of £25,000 for production and advice from top industry professionals.

Entering the competition for the second time, he impressed the industry judges with his short film idea, Only Child, at Pinewood Studios.

Mr Toovey said: "I'm over the moon. I really thought I'd blown it on the first day as I lost my way loads of times, the questions asked of me were like bullets to my heart and so I went away with lots of things to work on.

"Adrenaline kept me awake that night but I did lots of reworking; I was pleased with my second performance as I felt it went so much better."

His film is based on the story of biblical characters David and Bathsheba. Many other interpretations of the story glamorise their affair but this story is told from Bathsheba's perspective.

It's set in a contemporary gypsy community and is about a dysfunctional couple, who have a child who tragically dies and the story shows how they grapple with and share their grief.

Actor David Gyasi, one of the industry judges said: "Andy was unanimously chosen. He came in with a strong pitch on the first day, took on board the feedback given to him, interpreted it and his passion really shone through.

"He came across as someone we felt the £25,000 not only mattered to but someone who also presented a beautiful piece of work. The retelling of this story from Bathsheba's perspective is something that is often missed."

He will now proceed to the production process.

Speaking about the work ahead, Mr Toovey added: "There is a lot of tearing down and rebuilding to do. I do enjoy creating stories so I know I'm going to enjoy this process but first I'm going to go home, see my family and give my kids a big hug."

Project director, Luke Walton, said: "Andy won because he listened very carefully to the feedback given. He worked really hard and delivered new beats to the story in a very precise way.

"His story was well thought through with cinematic vision. I look forward to the challenge of producing this film with him."