HELEN Walsh has been named as one of BAFTA's Breakthrough Brits.

The former Grappenhall author-turned-director has been recognised for her acclaimed film, The Violators, starring Little Crackers' Lauren McQueen and Penny Dreadful's Stephen Lord.

Helen, a former Bradshaw Primary School pupil, is among 18 emerging filmmakers, writers, actors, artists, film composers, producers, editors, game developers and cinematographers.

Since 2013, more than 50 artists have benefited from the scheme, including the new Spider-Man Tom Holland and Alex Lawther, who was recently seen in an episode of Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror.

Helen, whose dad Michael lives in Appleton and mum Malar lives in Old Hall, said: "I'm thrilled to be nominated as a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit.

"It was also lovely to see BAFTA acknowledging the entire craft of filmmaking with editors, cinematographers and music composers all making the list this year."

It has also been revealed that Helen will be adapting her own novel, The Lemon Grove, as her next film.

The Lemon Grove follows a husband and wife who regularly holiday in Mallorca.

But everything changes upon the arrival of the wife’s stepdaughter and her new boyfriend.