Revive Portland deliver 200 posters to brighten up Olympic Park (From Thisisdorset)

Revive Portland deliver 200 posters to brighten up Olympic Park

10:00am Wednesday 23rd May 2012 in Latest By Laura Kitching

ARTWORK created by Portland students will be brightening up London’s Olympic Park for international visitors.

Two hundred posters created by Royal Manor Arts College pupils have been delivered to the capital city by Revive Portland community group representatives.

Year Seven students have made Welcome artwork inspired by local landmarks such as Portland Bill and Durdle Door, plus iconic British images, to brighten up the media centre within the Olympic Park.

The project, which was coordinated by the Revive Portland delivery group was inspired by the London 2012 Games initiative.

Revive members Yvonne Beven and Nikki Billington presented the work to a London Organising Committee representative in celebration of UK Inspire day.

Ms Beven said: “We handed over about 200 pieces of art by local pupils, we’re so proud of them all.

“Massive thanks to Royal Manor Arts College for their support with the 2012 art project. Some amazing work has been produced.

“The artwork will be displayed in the media centre within the Olympic Park.

“At the end of the Games members of the accredited media team from all over the world will be given an original piece of art to take back to their home nation as a memento of London 2012 – so who knows where the students’ pictures will end up?”

She added: “The school has copied them and they will be going up in empty shops and other places all over Portland – why should London have all the good stuff?”

James Grummett, learning director for art and photography at Royal Manor Arts College, said: “We’re delighted to be involved.

“The students have created some fantastic work in a short space of time and they are really excited at the prospect of their art work being displayed in the Olympic Park.” Revive Portland is one of 2,700 projects across the country granted the prestigious London 2012 Inspire mark, which recognises exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the 2012 Games.

Revive Portland started three years ago with a public plea for ideas about how the local area could be improved.

More than 500 ‘wishes’ were received from the community and since then the project team, made up wholly by volunteers, have worked tirelessly to turn those wishes into reality. In addition to promoting local art, they have regenerated areas waste ground, put on community events, provided affordable activities for young people and brought back a community Christmas tree.

Jonathan Edwards, deputy chairman of the London 2012 nations and regions group said: “This summer, the UK will come alive with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Inspire programme has been mobilising people across the country.”

Elaine's moment of glory

WEYMOUTH’S Elaine Harris was among the inspirational torchbearers who carried the Olympic flame yesterday.

The 57-year-old, who was nominated for the prestigious role after inspiring more than 1,000 fellow NHS staff to get fit, took part in the Olympic Torch Relay through Yeovil.

She was the first runner of day four, setting off at 7.39am, and described the experience as ‘a great honour’.

Elaine, of the Dorchester Road area, said: “It was well worth getting up for, even better than I expected.

“There was a great atmosphere with people cheering – I wanted to savour every minute of it.”

The Olympic flame’s 700-day, 8,000 mile journey began on Saturday from Land’s End. It is now moving through Cheltenham, Worcester and into Wales.

It will arrive in Weymouth and Portland on Thursday, July 12 with an official evening celebration on Weymouth Beach.

Elaine, who is a healthy workplaces manager, was nominated for her work leading the Somerset NHS Go For It challenge.