A UNIVERSITY hosted its 20th annual animation and games festival with guest speakers from the industry in attendance.

The 20th Animex festival, which gives people the chance to meet those who work behind-the-scenes in the animation industry, was held at Teesside University in Middlesbrough.

Guest speakers from animators from Pixar and Disney where joined by animators of HBO's Game of Thrones special effects wizards and the creators of a Spider-Man game.

Tim Brunton, Animex project manager, said: “Animex was founded in 2000 with the aim of creating a world-class festival which would draw some of the games and animation industries' brightest lights and future stars together to share their knowledge.

“The festival has grown bigger and better each year, while continuing to promote an ethos of collaboration and sharing.

"It offers an opportunity to meet industry experts, get behind the scenes insight and enables students to take advantage of valuable networking opportunities as they prepare to enter the industry themselves.”

The festival was founded by Teesside University in 2000 and celebrated its 20th anniversary last week.

Industry-leading firms such as Sony London Studio, Santa Monica Studios, MPC and Insomniac Games also attended the festival.