Staffordshire University's Film Theatre will play host to a preview screening of 'Staffordshire's Olympic Spirit', a film on the area's former Olympians and current hopefuls, made by local company Inspired Film and Video.

Three of the company's four full time employees are Broadcast Journalism graduates of the University, and their hope is that the film inspires the county's youngsters to become more involved in sport.

Among those athletes that have taken part in the project are graduates Anna Watkins (rowing) and Emma Jackson (track and field), and Inspired's Chris Gibbs has been left in no doubt about the importance of Higher Education in terms of the development of current and future Olympians.

"I would say that the link between Higher Education and Olympic sports is important as for many young people it is their first true exposure to an environment where they can let their talents come to the fore," he says.

Anna Watkins' first exposure to rowing came through university and Emma Jackson - who is a graduate of Keele University - is in with an excellent chance of competing in the 800 metres this year. In essence, the talent needs to be spotted and encouraged as early as possible."

As well as the University screening, Inspired's film will also be shown at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium before next week's Premier League game with Everton, and DVDs will be distributed to local schools.

The project will be shown at the Film Theatre as part of Universities Week on Wednesday May 2, beginning at 7.45pm.

By Carly Baldwin