TWO Cumbrian film students are celebrating after being given a once in a lifetime opportunity to work on the hit TV trilogy, Life of a Mountain.

It came about after Cumbrian film maker Terry Abraham gave a guest lecture at the University of Cumbria, where they are both studying.

Paul Bacon, 21, and Nathan Buckley, 24, are both on the Wildlife Media BA Hons course, so being involved in such a popular documentary series seemed like a dream.

Following his lecture, on freelancing and industry opportunities, Terry invited all of the students to apply to work on the third and final instalment of the hit Lake District-based series - Life of a Mountain: Helvellyn.

The applicants were whittled down and Paul and Nathan were selected. They have since formed a strong partnership, accompanying Terry on most of the shoots.

Laura Baxter, course leader, said: “This is the start of a really rewarding partnership where Paul and Nathan have learnt a great deal working alongside Terry and have taken increasing levels of responsibility, whereby Terry now attests to the fact he delegates various important filming tasks to them.

“Paul and Nathan have produced various footage which will feature in the final edit of the documentary and be broadcast next year - a fantastic credit on their CVs and stepping stone to other professional work opportunities.”

The filming began a year ago and the series is due to be screened next spring.

Paul said: “We do all sorts, literally anything Terry does, we go with him.

“We have climbed Helvellyn countless times, often in the early hours, to catch magical sunrises and cloud inversions and film time-lapses and drone footage of the landscape.

“We’ve done people shoots, interviews, and bits of wildlife as well, just everything that goes into the film.

“The best thing about the whole experience has been the people we’ve met. The locals, the people in and around the mountains, it’s been fascinating meeting them.”

Paul has just completed his undergraduate degree but is carrying on his studies with an MA in Creative Practice.

Nathan added: “It goes without saying that it’s been an invaluable experience.

“I’m very grateful to Terry for giving us the opportunity to work with him on his final Life of a Mountain film which has been an absolutely brilliant experience and great fun.”

Terry took a risk inviting the unproven students to help film Helvellyn but said he was encouraged to see them grow in confidence and ability.

He said: “They’ve really blossomed working with me. I can see their confidence has grown as people and on the job.

“Working with me on Helvellyn has inspired them and in turn their enthusiasm has inspired me, so much so that after this project is finished, I have offered them freelance work as my crew.”

Terry’s two previous documentaries - Life of a Mountain: Scafell Pike and Life of a Mountain: Blencathra - have garnered awards, widespread critical acclaim and been seen by millions of viewers.