NEWPORT film-maker Julian Richards could soon pick up another prize to add to his collection.

He is among the nominees announced today for the 17th annual BAFTA Cymru Awards.

Mr Richards is in the shortlist for one of the most important honours - best film.

He reportedly came up with the idea for Summer Scars as well as directing the thriller.

It tells the story of six teenagers playing truant from school whose adventure turns darker after they "bump" into a stranger in the woods.

Mr Richards faces competition from Nerys Lloyd's debut film Daddy's Girl and Richard Staniforth's bilingual love story, Small Country (Calon Gaeth).

Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones will host the BAFTA Cymru ceremony, celebrating the country's best film, television and new media, at the Wales Millennium Centre on April 27.

Mr Richards grew up in Christchurch Road and began making films when he was a child.

He studied at Bournemouth Film School and joined the National Film School in 1990. He later worked for Stephen Spielberg's Dreamworks company in Los Angeles.

The talented Mr Richards also spent time on Channel 4's popular soap Brookside.

He made his film debut with Darklands and Summer Scars is his fourth feature for the big screen.

His low-budget indie-film The Last Horror Movie won awards across the world including best UK feature at the 2003 Raindance Film Festival.

Summer Scars also appears in two other BAFTA Cymru categories - Craig Williams has been nominated for best graphics/titles and Al Wilson is up for the scriptwriter award.

BBC Wales have received eight nominations for Doctor Who while spin-off Torchwood is named in four categories. Both are shortlisted with Belonging for the title of best drama series.