STUDENT filmmakers have blood on their hands after turning an East Hampshire beauty spot into a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

The walking dead recently took over Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP) as the woodland was the venue for a zombie film making competition.

There was blood and gore galore as more than 30 budding directors from Highbury College in Portsmouth went head to head.

Students painted each other’s faces with special effects make-up before groaning and staggering through the woods along with five eager teams of cameramen and women.

Teams were competing to create the best short zombie film as part of their Creative Media Production qualifications. The competition was organised by lecturer, Kara Hall, who accompanied the students to QECP for the day of filming.

She said: “Our media students have been so impressive during this project.

“They planned the content, carefully producing professional storyboards and had fantastic, creative ideas.

“On the day they surprised us with just how creative they can be with some even making their own fake bodies.”

Once completed the films will be uploaded to Highbury College’s Youtube channel – at www.youtube.com/High buryCollegeUK – where students will compete for the most views.

Kara added: “It has been a great project and has given the students the chance to experience what it is like filming on location.

“They had great fun and have produced some great films but this is just one of the many professional projects they will work on throughout the year.”

l An open air production of a one-act play will be performed in QECP on consecutive weekends in November.

Scene Setters will lift the metaphorical curtain on Peter Shaffer’s ‘White Liars’ in the park’s Little Theatre at 1.30pm on Saturday, November 18, with a further performance taking place on the same day at 3.30pm.

Performances of the play, which is not suitable for children, will also take place at the same times the following Saturday, November 25.

Admission is free but seating is limited so booking is essential – contact 023 9259 5040 for more details.