They've watched the likes of Toy Story and Wallace and Gromit, but budding young film fans from Norfolk schools have been helping to make a pioneering animated movie of their own.

And the finished film – the first animated movie made by and designed for children – could feature some familiar items from the collection at Norwich's Castle Museum.

The scheme, the Tate Movie Project, is taking place across the country and is encouraging children and young people aged from five to 13 to contribute ideas, artwork and sound effects to the film.

The finished film will be broadcast on BBC1 in July and plans are in the pipeline to host a special screening in Norwich in the summer.

Four Norfolk schools are involved in the scheme. Youngsters from St William's Primary School in Thorpe St Andrew and from Edward Worlledge Junior School in Great Yarmouth took part in a session yesterday, while children from Attleborough Infant School and Great Hockham Primary School, in Thetford, were at the Castle Museum today.

Staff at the museum are working with the children to generate animation ideas and artwork for the film. By using the collections at the castle as inspiration, it is hoped the finished movie will have a real Norfolk feel.

Industry heavyweights including Tate, CBBC and Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman will use the latest technology to bring their ideas to life. Colly Mudie, learning manager at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, said: 'We are delighted to have the opportunity to work in partnership with a national organisation like Tate, to give local schools the opportunity to have a wonderful real-life, collaborative experience.

'It is also an opportunity for these young people to represent their community in a high profile national project.'

James Carswell, cabinet member for cultural services at Norfolk County Council, said: 'It's a terrific honour to be involved in such a significant and tremendously exciting project.

'It gives our young people a unique opportunity to explore their imaginations and, in doing so, create a cinematic legacy that is supported by some of the biggest and best names in the industry. I, for one, can't wait to see their creation on the small screen.'

The Tate Movie Project has been made possible through �3m of funding from Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to create a cultural and sporting legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The finished film will become part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Children can also contribute to the animated film by visiting the Tate Movie Project website at www.tatemovie.co.uk

See the top right hand corner for a gallery of the St William's Way children enjoying the event.

Is your school involved in an exciting project? Tell us about it by calling reporter Donna-Louise Bishop on 01603 772438 or email donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk