Les Miserables star Eddie Redmayne mingled with students as he launched a new educational film charity.

The Bafta-nominated actor visited Westminster Academy last week to mark the merger of Filmclub and First Light as new charity Into Film .

It works with students aged five to 19 and the film industry to contribute to their cultural, creative and personal development.

Guest speakers included Eric Fellner, producer of Atonement and Les Mis, and Beeban Kidron, director of Bridget Jones’ Diary: The Edge of Reason.

Tim Rahman, head of media studies at the Paddington school, said: “With a popular Film Club already established at the academy, the Into Film launch created an instant buzz among the student body and they can’t wait to get started with the programme.

“From a teaching perspective, it is inspiring to see film education going even further in the UK.”

Actor Eddie Redmayne with Westminster Academy pupils Naira Davtean, left, and Jamila Elamrani