A game featuring dungeons, minions and janitorial services has earned a Penzance student an award from The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) - at the age of just 13.

Elsie Mae Williams went to London for the nationwide BAFTA Young Game Designers competition, where her game TorchLighter won the award in the game concept (10-14 years) category.

Elsie was presented with her award at an awards ceremony held at BAFTA’s headquarters and hosted by Dev Griffin of Radio 1 and Georgie Barrat from The Gadget Show. Along with the three other young winners she will receive a package of prizes including a mentor from the games industry to help her develop her skills further, tours of leading games studios, game development software and a prototype of her game created by a team of developers.

Elsie's game, TorchLighters, features a character who is hired by a company that provides janitorial services to dungeons. As an employee, the player's job is to light torches, reset traps, lock doors, make sure minions are ready to fit and perform special tasks set by the bosses.

She said: “It’s such an honour to be recognised by BAFTA. I could never have imagined when I was sat in my bedroom coming up with my game concept that it would lead to me winning a national award and sharing a stage with presenters from Radio 1 and The Gadget Show.

“I’m so excited about being mentored by top games developers and really grateful to BAFTA for this amazing opportunity. Winning this award has inspired me to continue coming up with new creative games concepts.”

In a message of support to all the young finalists the Duke of Cambridge said: “As President of BAFTA, I am delighted to show my continued support for the BAFTA Young Game Designers initiative.

“I am always so impressed with the unique ideas and game-making skills displayed by our Young Game Designers. This year’s finalists prove there is a huge amount of talent within the UK and it is tremendously exciting to see young people so passionate about a craft that could help to launch their career in the British games industry.”

The competition is part of a year-round programme of activity that gives young people and educators unique insights into the games industry and access to the creative minds behind some of their favourite games. Support includes: a website, bafta.org/ygd, where BAFTA members, award winners and nominees share their insights and advice and a range of teaching resources linked to the national curriculum.