A film about a young couple finding love in troubled times has own the major award at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival.

The festival (EIFF) has announced its award winner for this year’s 70th edition.

More than 160 features and 130 shorts from 55 countries screened at this year’s festival.

The winner of the prestigious Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film went to Scottish filmmaker Ben Sharrock’s directorial debut, Pikadero, set in a Basque village, which received its UK Premiere at the Festival.

The jurors also gave a special mention to Brakes, directed by Mercedes Grower, which received its World Premiere at the Festival.

The winner was chosen by the Michael Powell Jury comprised of actress Kim Cattrall, Edinburgh-based Spanish filmmaker and actress Icíar Bollaín and actor Clancy Brown.

The Michael Powell Jury said: "We wanted to recognise the very personal and individual voice of director Ben Sharrock for his film Pikadero.

"In a year when the jury viewed a selection of very distinctive and different films his film really stood out."

Sharrock said: "I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive the Michael Powell Award.

"It is an incredible feeling. It is so valuable to have this kind of recognition for Pikadero in the UK.

"It is awards and recognition like this that help us get the film out to as wide an audience as possible.

"We have been lucky enough to screen Pikadero in different countries around the world but it has been a very special experience having the UK Premiere here at EIFF and showing it to audiences in my home city.

"I am extremely grateful and I would like to thank the jury, the festival team and Mark Adams.

"Finally, I want to thank everyone who was involved in this film for all their talent and hard work. What a journey."

The award for best performance went to Catrin Stewart for her role in The Library Suicices.

She said: "I feel hugely honoured to be given this award.

"It was my first feature film role and a fantastic challenge to play two characters side by side. I loved working with the wonderful Euros Lyn and Fflur Dafydd's exciting script. It was also very special for me to make a film in Welsh, and I'm very proud of what we have achieved."

The award for Best International Feature Film went to Argyris Papadimitropoulos’ Suntan, which received its UK Premiere at this year’s festival.

The winner was chosen by the International Jury comprised of actor Angus Macfadyen, actress and producer Sadie Frost and Editor of Screen International, Matt Mueller.

The award for Best Documentary Feature Film went to Johan Grimonprez’s documentary Shadow World, which dwelt on the realities of the global arms trade.

The award for Best Short Film went to Before Love, directed by Igor Kovalyov,