A University of Worcester student has appeared in a new feature film.

Alannah Southerton, a third-year English Literature and Film Studies student from Bromsgrove, played social worker Tamara in the movie 'Lollipop', which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Miss Southerton, a former pupil at Kings Edward VI College in Stourbridge, said: "I was thrilled to be involved.

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"My career ambition is to be an actor across film, TV, and stage.

"The pride I feel in being part of such an important story such as Lollipop has created a desire going forwards to be part of more projects championing overlooked and unheard voices."

'Lollipop', starring Posy Sterling and Idil Ahmed, revolves around a young mother, recently released from prison, looking to regain custody of her two children.

The film was directed by Daisy-May Hudson and jointly produced by BBC Film, the BFI Film Fund, and Parkville Pictures.

Miss Southerton took part in filming last year.

Her role involved four scenes shot in London, two of which were alongside one of the main characters.

She said: "I cried a little bit, I couldn’t really process it.

"It’s the furthest way through the audition process I’d been, which was great in itself, and so booking the job and being able to put that audition work into practice was the best kind of bonus.

"I’m hopeful more will come from this."

The 23-year-old attended the premiere and was honoured by the reaction of a social worker seated beside her.

Miss Southerton said: "The most rewarding moment was when the lady sat next to me turned out to be a real social worker.

"She immediately asked me all about my role and preparation to play Tamara and commented on how 'real' the experience on screen felt for her, and how she felt 'seen'.

"As an actor, that’s the greatest compliment I could hope for."

Miss Southerton made her West End debut last year with a performance in 'Up All Night' and has since been involved with the National Youth Theatre, the Swan Youth Theatre, and the Worcester Young Rep.