BURTON actor Paddy Considine has won a prestigious Bafta for his first film as a director.

Paddy scooped the award in the category for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer for his movie Tyrannosaur.

The 38-year-old, who is originally from Winshill and still lives in Burton, collected the award at last night's star-studded ceremony in London alongside Diarmid Scrimshaw, the film's producer.

Veteran actor John Hurt, who was born in Derbyshire, was also handed a Bafta for his outstanding British contribution to cinema.

Both are patrons of Derby's Quad arts centre.

Adam Buss, Quad's director of audience engagement, said: "It is fantastic news for the region that both our patrons have got these awards.

"It shows that you don't have to be from London to prove to people that you are a fantastic talent.

"It was clear from the first time I saw Tyrannosaur what great empathy Paddy has with his actors and that shone through in the performances he got out of the two lead characters in the film.

"I think that is down to his previous acting roles. The honour is richly deserved.

"We are delighted for Paddy and John and we're absolutely thrilled they are putting Derbyshire firmly on the map."

Tyrannosaur tells the powerful story of angry, self-destructive loner Joseph, played by Peter Mullan, who forms a friendship in crisis with a middle-class charity shop volunteer, played by Olivia Colman, whose life has its own share of darkness. It is inspired in part by Paddy's Burton upbringing.

In December, Tyrannosaur was named best film at the British Independent Film Awards. It picked up three awards in total including best debut director for Considine and best actress for Olivia Colman.

Accepting his award, Paddy said: "I love you," mimicking Sylvester Stallone's character in the Rocky films.

He then went on to thank all those involved in the film Tyrannosaur, describing lead actor Peter Mullan as his "hero", and Olivia Colman as "irrepressible and brilliant".

Presenting John Hurt with his award, Billy Bob Thornton called him an "actor's actor".

Receiving a standing ovation from the audience, Hurt said: "Who would have thought all those years ago that I would have been sharing the stage of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, with Billy Bob Thornton? How fabulous."

Hurt, whose career has seen him star in films including Midnight Express and The Elephant Man, revealed his wife had advised him to bin the speech he had prepared because when he gives speeches he sounds "like somebody else".

He went on to thank all the film-makers he had worked with who he said had allowed him to be "the addition to their imaginations".

Last night's ceremony was attended by A-list stars including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Michelle Williams and Meryl Streep. The big winner was the film The Artist, which scooped seven Baftas, including best film and best leading actor for Jean Dujardin.

Until last year, Paddy Considine was better known as an actor, having appeared in films such as The Bourne Ultimatum, Hot Fuzz and The Suspicions of Mr Whicher. Tyrannosaur has also been shortlisted in the international film category at the US Independent Spirit Awards. The winners will be announced on February 25.