PARALYMPIC athletes, top academics and inspirational businesswomen are among the guest speakers at this year’s University of Chester Diversity Festival.

The 12-day event, which begins on February 6 and runs across the university campuses, will be launched by 100m and 200m Paralympian Sophia Warner.

Sophia, who has cerebral palsy, is ranked number one in Europe in her class and second in the world.

The theme this year is Active Diversity, to reflect both a link to the London 2012 Olympics and to highlight the importance of taking a proactive approach toward promoting equality and diversity.

Events taking place include talks on inspirational women, gender and sexuality and cultural awareness.

There will also be an exhibition of Olympic posters and the changing graphic styles and social context of the host cities and cultures they represent in Castle Park Arts Centre, Frodsham, during the course of the festival.

For more information contact Sophie Robinson on 01244 511399 or email equality@chester.ac.uk.