MORE than 1,000 students attended the UK's largest digital youth conference at the Bournemouth International Centre this month.

Digital Wave, which is aimed at people aged between 14 and 19, showcases the careers and opportunities available in digital and creative industries.

The event, organised and funded by digital agency Redweb, attracted a range of local and international speakers from agencies, game development companies and visual effects studios.

Participants had an opportunity to get hands-on with new technology, including VR headsets, 3D printing pens and interactive games.

Representatives from Bournemouth University, Bournemouth and Poole College, Barclays Eagle Labs, JP Morgan, Crowd and Createful attended.

Among the speakers were Amanda Follit, head of digital operations services at Amaze, who detailed the ups and downs of her career and shared advice.

Mike Hawkward of Amuzo Games and Jack Bishop of Propel Worldwide gave a live demonstration of their Star Wars drone, while Thor Mitchell of product.careers presented his 'introvert's guide to a career in technology'.

Danielle Dyer, organiser of Digital Wave and marketing assistant at Redweb, said the event was a "roaring success" which would not have been possible without the support of sponsors Digital Horizons and Dorset Local Enterprise, as well as partners BFX Festival and Brighter Productions.

“Redweb has a real passion for helping young people find opportunities in the industry," she said.

"We’re so proud to host Digital Wave each year – and hopefully we’ve inspired the attendees to pursue a fulfilling career in digital.”

Digital Wave will return in 2018.

For more information, or to get involved in next year's event, email hello@digitalwave.org.uk