Oscar- winner Jan Pinkava is to show his award-winning film in Colchester - only the second time it will have been shown in public in the UK.

Colchester Royal Grammar School is hosting the special event for its ex-pupil, including a presentation by the California-based film-maker.

Mr Pinkava was honoured last year for his five-minute computer animation Geri's Game.

He currently works for computer animation giants Pixor where he is developing his first full-length feature film.

The film has since won 20 major international awards. The first screening will be for pupils at the Lexden Road school next Friday.

In the evening former parents, "old boys" and friends of the school are invited to another screening and wine reception.

The psychological drama about a man playing solitary chess, was first screened in Britain last month at the Czech embassy.

Mr Pinkava was a pupil at the school from 1974 to 1982, and also attended Myland Primary School. His mother and brother still live in Colchester.

Former teacher Barrie Minns, who is organising the event, said: "It's marvellously exciting for the school. We are in the middle of a development appeal of which I am the director and I am getting in touch with old boys who have done well to boost the appeal."

For tickets to the screening at 6.30pm send a cheque for £12.50 payable to CRGS Trust Development Appeal, Colchester Royal Grammar School, Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3ND.

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