Lord Puttnam, legendary producer of such blockbuster movies as Bugsy Malone, Chariots of Fire, Midnight Express and The Killing Fields, was speaking at Cleveland College of Art & Design, which has a campus in Hartlepool.

But despite praising the work done in the region the acclaimed director also spoke of his fears that England as a nation is falling behind some countries when it comes to the online world.

Lord Puttnam retired from film production in 1998 and now focuses on his work in education and the environment.

He said: "I know Cleveland College of Art & Design from my time as Chancellor of the University of Sunderland, but it should be more widely known in the south of the country.

"The quality of work the college and its students produce is of a very high standard."

During his speech before an invited audience of about 70 students and local business and education leaders, Lord Puttnam warned that Britain had already fallen behind countries like Singapore and South Korea in terms of the use of digital media.

He said: "It's my belief that we have barely even begun to explore the possibilities provided by the online world.

"If I'm right, then the opportunities in all this are really immense, most especially to the current generation of art and design graduates."

Cleveland College of Art & Design, which has a campus in Church Square, Hartlepool, offers a wide range of further and higher education courses for students aiming for a career in all branches of the arts, including film and television.

College Principal Martin Raby said: "It was an honour and a privilege to welcome Lord Puttnam to the college and it was great to listen to someone who is so passionate and knowledgeable about art and media and education.

"It's been great for some of the TV and film students to come along and hear Lord Puttnam speak and to be involved in a question and answer session with him. It was a marvellous experience for them."