A budding animator from Buckfastleigh has scooped the top prize after entering the competition Exanimation, which was organised by Animated Exeter to find the top young animators in the south west. Barnaby Walters (left), 12, was thrilled to win a Mini Mac computer after entering his 10-minute animation titled The Fossil Shell. His award-winning film tells the story of a snail called Snailtis, who has interchangeable shells. He was presented with his prize at the screening of Exanimation at Exeter Phoenix on Saturday. 'It took me about three months to make and I did it after school and in the holidays,' said Barnaby, who attends South Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton. 'I was really pleased with how the film all worked out. I didn't know I had won the award so was quite surprised when I found out.' Barnaby will continue making animations and hopes to become an animator when he finishes his education. 'I got into animation after watching Star Wars and I have made other animations before The Fossil Shell. 'I have already started planning my next animation, which will be about cave men with long beards.'
