A film created by young actors at a fledgling Merton drama group has scooped first place at an awards ceremony and will be shown at the London Film Festival.

Judges at the Happy Soul Festival praised Romany Me last month for its evocative portrayal of mental health issues after it won the best film award.

It was written by Adele Gregory, founder of the Ambition Dance and Drama Troop, and 15-year-old Tayla-Jaye Gregory - who also plays the lead role. It will be screened on digital TV through the Community Channel.

Ms Gregory, whose group is based in Central Road, Morden, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved. What they’ve managed to do is beyond belief - to win out of more than 800 films is just incredible. I had to pull the cast members off the ceiling when we found out.”

The emotive story follows a young aspiring dancer called Lena, who comes from a Romany background, and her family after they were evicted from their home.