It was action all the way when sixth-formers from south Wales enjoyed a taste of the new Computer Game Design degree course at Newport's University.

The A-Level students, took part in a series of workshops exploring the essential elements of the best computer games. They also spent time in the animation studios working on drawings and making a short film.

"The UK games production industry is the largest in Europe, and second only to the USA and Japan in terms of creativity and originality," explained course leader James Manning. "The industry is centred around a core of relatively small but highly productive companies that rely on a flexible and multi-skilled workforce.

"The event was organised to give sixth-formers who are interested in becoming part of that workforce a taste of what being a computer games designer is all about. By giving students access to a range of current software, the degree course will enable them to build the necessary levels of creative skill and conceptual agility required at a professional level within the computer games industry."

Nathan Edwards, from Nantyglo Comprehensive School, enjoyed the taster sessions enormously.

"I'm into imaginative role-playing games like Final Fantasy," said 17-year-old Nathan, "and thought the workshop in computer games design was great. We began by playing a game and discussing it in detail.

"After this visit, I would definitely consider coming to Newport to study either animation or computer games design."

Amy Leyshon, from Coleg Glan Hafren, enjoyed experimenting with stop-frame animation. "I've always wanted to do animation," said 16-year-old Amy. "Today has been great. Most open days you sit in a room listening to someone talk, but here we've had some real hands-on experience. I would definitely consider coming to Newport to study."