West Dunbartonshire MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has added his voice to local support for the creation of a new film and TV school hub to be partially based at the BBC's Dumbarton studios.

The Reporter revealed last week that the National Film and Television School had been awarded £475,000 in funding to work alongside BBC Scotland to create a brand new branch of the school north of the border, based in both Dumbarton and the BBC's Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow.

It's hoped that the new partnership will help to address key skills gaps in the screen sector, teaching around 450 students per year in techniques including production accounting, script editing, factual development and drama, and movie production accounting.

The new facility is set to open in January next year, with the first set of students to enrol in April.

Responding to the news, Mr Docherty-Hughes said: “It’s great news for West Dunbartonshire that the Scottish Government is working to bring further film and television training opportunities to the BBC studios in Dumbarton.

“Scotland’s broadcasting and production sector had been short-changed for too long and I welcome the progress the Scottish Government is making in developing our TV and film industry. It’s important that young Scots have the skills and training needed to take advantage of job opportunities in the growing screen industry.

"The launch of a NFTS base in the west of Scotland makes us well placed to benefit from this centre of excellence for film and television production.

“I’m particularly pleased to see that young people from all backgrounds will have the chance to secure places at the film and television school through the bursary and scholarship fund.”

His comments were also echoed by Dumbarton ward councillor David McBride, who told the Reporter: "The investment in the BBC Dumbarton Studio is an exciting and welcome boost for the continued success at Strathleven and Lomondgate.

"The National Film and School will allow talented and creative students to learn and study locally and expanding the opportunities in Dumbarton".