THE University of Bolton is to host a Summer School for teenagers run by a world-renowned special makeup effects company.

Gorton Studio, responsible for some of the most memorable moments from shows like Doctor Who, Call the Midwife and The Catherine Tate Show, as well as a host of feature films, will run the course at the University’s high-profile special and visual effects (SVFX) department.

Youngsters aged between 14 and 18 who want to learn the basics of how to create a creature mask and gory-looking wounds will be taught by industry experts in four, week-long, Summer Schools throughout August.

Gorton Studio is directed by internationally acclaimed prosthetics designer Neill Gorton, who has 30 years’ experience in the industry and is a Visiting Professor at the University of Bolton.

Neill, whose company is currently working on the monsters for the next series of Doctor Who, said: “It is amazing how many kids are interested in special makeup effects.

“This Summer School will give them the chance meet people their own age and help them to realise there are others who share their passion.

“It is also invaluable for parents – they can ask questions and gain an understanding of what career opportunities there might be for their children.

“There are kids who have attended previous Summer Schools who are now studying at the University of Bolton and we have graduates from Bolton who are now working with us.”

The five-day course culminates in a photo shoot to capture the masks created, giving a great kickstart to a portfolio.

Neill said the Summer School was an opportunity to take the first step in the subject and make a connection with one of the UK's most popular university departments specialising in SVFX.

He said: “For some teenagers it will be their first experience inside a university and the aim is to make them feel that University is accessible to them.

“This course at Bolton is unique in terms of what it teaches, its amazing facilities, links to industry and the calibre of people who come in to teach the students.

“There are so many different careers that can come from the course – it is not all about working in films or TV.

“There is a market for talented individuals who can create realistic body parts for the medical simulation industry, for example.”

Neill will not be teaching as part of the school – the courses will be delivered by skilled artists from Gorton Studio.

Simon Wiggins, Head of Creative Tech at the University of Bolton, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this Summer School.

“It will provide a unique opportunity for young people to learn from industry leaders and have a lot of fun at the same time.

“Who knows – it may uncover a special effects wizard of the future!”

Gorton Studio’s students come from all over the world. Alumni have worked on movies such as Star Wars, Jurassic World, Harry Potter, Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Fury and Wonder Woman and TV shows including Doctor Who, Torchwood, Poldark and The Catherine Tate Show.

The Summer Schools run in week-long blocks at the University of Bolton throughout August, on the following dates: July 29-August 2, August 5-9, August 12-16 and August 19-23.

To enrol, visit www.gortonstudio.co.uk.