Simone Froud is organising the Cycle Writer film premiere in memory of Monika Smith C070899-2

It is one she is relishing as the date nears for the curtain to rise on the big screen tribute to the late photojournalist Monika Smith.

Monika's work with the camera and the pen is being celebrated in the Cycle Writer documentary which has been made by experienced cameraman Stuart McKears.

It will receive its first screening at the Hotham Arts Centre in Bognor Regis on May 26. Two showings will take place at 2.30pm and 8pm on May 26. The evening occasion will be a posh frock and penguins event in recognition of Monika's entry as one of the birds in the Bognor Birdman.

Four good causes will benefit from the unique occasions which will enable people around Bognor and Chichester will be able to see themselves in a movie.

Simone has been joined by a team of Monika's friends to ensure the premiere has a touch of sparkle and glamour to provide a fitting memory to a unique individual.

'I knew Monika really well,' explained Simone. 'She was such a wild character and we were always talking about zany things. We used to laugh and joke about all of them.

'Monika was a warm and special person. She really was a one-off and a totally unique character and I immediately warmed to her.'

Simone (52) was aware that Monika was being filmed by Stuart to capture a year in her life of cycling around the area capturing the photographs and articles for her freelance role with the Observer and Guardian.

But Monika's death at the age of 55 from cancer in January 2006 put the project to the back of her mind. After a suitable period of respect for Monika's memory, Stuart completed the project earlier this year.

The result of his work is an 84 minute documentary which provides an unrivalled modern view of community life around Bognor Regis and Chichester. A wide range of individuals and community events is featured as Monika gets to work in her distinctive way.

Beauty therapist Simone, of Outram Road, got to know Monika through a friend at the University of Chichester's campus in Bognor where Monika worked before she put her photographic and writing skills to good use on the local papers.

Seeing Cycle Writer brought back a lot of happy memories to Simone of their friendship and prompted thoughts of a big screen experience to honour her life and to raise money.

'When I saw the film for the first time, I thought it was so good, with such a fabulous mix of colourful characters, that they should be able to see themselves and appreciate all the work Monika did for the local papers,' she stated.

'This is a beautiful area to live in and Cycle Writer reflects that as well.'

It was just a short step from those thoughts to ensuring that the documentary also aided some of the causes which were closest to Monika's heart '“ 4Sight (West Sussex Asssociation for the Blind), the Cat and Rabbit Centre at Sidlesham, the Rox Organisation, and the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she was treated.

The screenings are being helped by the generosity of the Arun Arts operators of the Hotham Arts Centre. Simone said she hoped the occasion would also benefit a venue which seems to be constantly at the centre of controversy about its future.

Tickets for Cycle Writer are available from the centre's box office on 01243 861010. They are priced 6.50 for the afternoon showing and 12 for the evening event to include a champagne and canapes party until midnight.