We've been working with Aitchelle Sports Development to develop a ShAFF Youth Audience Programme in Sheffield and the Peak District.

A selection of schools were invited to show the youth programme (all the film makers concerned have very kindly agreed to let us show the films in a bid to inspire as many young people as possible), with two of them opening up their viewings to the wider community, sports clubs and local outdoor enthusiasts.

Schools in Chinley, Hayfield, Buxton, Wirksworth and Belper signed up to the pilot programme. Around 1,500 young people will get to see the film over the next three weeks. In addition The Showroom (the venue of the festival itself) will be screening the films on Tues 24 and Wed 25 Feb from 10.00 - 11.30 am to local school kids. One keen Sheffield school is bringing 90 kids down - supplementing their work on the topic of Mountains this term. Far better to learn about the formation of glaciers on the big screen as part of a fantastic range of films, than from a text book in the classroom! Perhaps one day these kids will be out their on their own expeditions, or taking up new outdoor or extreme sports........

Matt Heason, Heason Events.