HEXHAM is toasting one of its own sons who clinched a statuette at this week's Oscars.

Mayor Derek Kennedy is leading the congratulations for Hexham resident Charlie Mackesy, 60, who won an Oscar for best short animation for the BBC film adaptation of his book, 'The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse'.

The illustrated book explores the friendship between the four titular characters as they journey together in search of a home and features voice acting from top stars.

British actors Tom Hollander and Idris Elba voiced characters in the film, as well as its composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, sister of Fleabag star Phoebe.

Hexham Courant:

"It is amazing," Mr Kennedy said.

"An Oscar is one of the highest achieving awards to receive and to have someone come from our town to get one is just unbelievable.

"Well done to him and everyone involved."

Mackesy attended Queen Elizabeth High School who also wanted to praise the former pupil.

A spokesperson from the school said: "We are delighted to hear that former student, Charlie Mackesy, won the ‘Oscar’ for Best Animated Short along with Matthew Freud for the adaptation of Mr Mackesy’s book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.

"From all current staff and students at Queen Elizabeth High School – CONGRATULATIONS!"

Speaking about the award himself, Charlie reflected: “Awards are incredible and I’m speechless to be truthful, but a greater award has been the response from people about the book and the film."

During his speech, he shared a story of a woman whose five-year-old grandson had told her she was 'enough just as you are' – a quote from his book.

He said: “She said that in the street she had tears pouring down her face, not just for her realisation but (because) she knew that he would, for the rest of his days, have those words going through him.

“That for me is gold, you know?”

In his acceptance speech Mackesy praised the 'bravery' of film-makers.

He also recalled speaking to an acquaintance about attending the Oscars, saying she told him: “I think it takes a lot of courage to make a film and I think when you go there will be a lot of very brave people in the same room.”

He added: “I looked at her and said, yeah I think you are right – and it is really true.”