THE Olympic dream is set to become a virtual reality for hundreds of Norfolk schoolchildren this autumn as part of Norfolk County Council's campaign to register all Norfolk schools with the London 2012 Games' education programme.

THE Olympic dream is set to become a virtual reality for hundreds of Norfolk schoolchildren this autumn as part of Norfolk County Council's campaign to register all Norfolk schools with the London 2012 Games' education programme.

Helped by artist Paul Stickland and using the latest green screen technology, the Just Imagine initiative will offer pupils the opportunity to experience the thrill of running in a virtual Olympic stadium and make their Olympic pledges, based on the seven Olympic values. It is also being supported by the BBC.

Ten schools will be eventually involved in making mini TV news programmes about their Olympic activities, and there are plans to show the footage on the BBC Big Screen in Norwich and some may be used on the news.

All schools need to do to get involved is to register with the London 2012 Olympics Get Set educational programme, which can be accessed via the London 2012 website at www.london2012.com.

Fifty students from the East Norfolk Playing for Success Centre at Cliff Park High School in Gorleston will become the first Norfolk children to have a taste of what it's like to run in a packed Olympic stadium tomorrow (Wednesday) using the latest green screen technology.

"We want Norfolk children to aim high - whether it's in the classroom or the running track - and it's really important to us that as many schools as possible register for the Get Set programme because it unlocks a host of educational opportunities," said Councillor Shelagh Hutson, Cabinet Member for Children's Services at Norfolk County Council.

"Currently, we are doing quite well as more than 100 Norfolk schools have already registered, putting us third - or in bronze medal position - behind Essex and Hertfordshire in the east of England but we really want to get as close as possible to 100% and claim first place. Offering pupils the chance to run in a 'virtual' stadium will help fire up their imaginations, and hopefully inspire children to greater things."