CINEMA bosses are in talks with Chariots of Fire star Ben Cross in a bid to recreate the film's famous racing scene in Glasgow.

In a nod to the city's summer of sport, the Grosvenor Cinema is hosting two outdoor screenings of the 1981 classic Chariots of Fire as part of the West End Festival.

They will be shown next month in Glasgow University's West Quadrangle, which is an almost identical setting to Trinity College Great Court, in Cambridge, where the scene was set in the film.

And they are currently recruiting athletes to re-enact the race on Friday, June 27.

It is hoped that the actor Ben Cross, who played Harold Abrahams - a Cambridge runner who competes in the 1924 Olympics - in the film, will start the race.

A special screening for alumni of the university will take place later that evening on a large screen, which will be erected in the university surroundings.

The following night another showing will take place for the general public. Viewers will be asked to provide a minimum donation of £3 which will go to the Beatson Pebble Appeal.

A separate screening of the film at the Grosvenor Cinema, in Ashton Lane, with a question and answer session with Ben Cross is also being planned for Friday from 7pm.

It came after the success of last year's premiere of Brad Pitt blockbuster World War Z during the festival.

As the Evening Times exclusively revealed, the Grosvenor managed to secure an exclusive screening of the film on June 19 - two days before its global release.

Cinema development manager for the G1 Group Ken Creelman said: "We knew we had to think of something big after last year.

"And I think this could be even bigger."

It is hoped actor Ben will wave the flag at the last Chaplain Bell to start the challenge and pop the champagne after the race.

He said: "I am delighted that Chariots of Fire is being played to the people of Glasgow in the outdoors.

"I am really hoping my schedule allows me to be there to support the event and start the race around the courtyard as this is an iconic scene from the film and will make a great event at Glasgow University.

"I have been in contact with both the Grosvenor Cinema and West End Festival and have pledged my support, I hope it's a great success."

Chariots of Fire tells the story of two young British sprinters and the challenges they are trying to overcome.

For the re-enactment of the race in Glasgow, organisers are seeking athletes.

The Grosvenor has teamed up with the university, the Glasgow Film Office and the Beatson Pebble Appeal for the event.

Mr Creelman said: "We always try and do something different for the West End Festival and we enjoy showing outdoor screenings.

"Chariots of Fire is a classic British film and when we saw the university quadrants, we knew we'd found the perfect setting to show it."

l If any athletes want to take part in the race they should e-mail Ken at ken creelman@g1group.co.uk or Tweet him: @kencreelman

l For the outdoor screening on Saturday, June 28, at the university quadrangle, doors open at 9pm and film is expected to start at around 10.30pm. Viewers must bring their own seat.

For information on the Grosvenor screening on Friday visit www.grosvenorcinema.co.uk for updates.