ONE of the main organisers behind the 2012 London Olympic Games is to be the guest speaker for York's Annual Education and Children's Services Lecture.

Jude Kelly OBE, the artistic director of the Southbank and chairwoman of culture, ceremonies and education at the London organising committee for the Olympics, will give York's tenth annual education lecture on April 9.

Past speakers at the event include Greg Dyke, former director general of the BBC, Lord David Puttnam, the award-winning film producer, and Estelle Morris, former Secretary of State for the Department for Education and Skills.

Ms Kelly, who is a nationally renowned artistic director, will challenge the audience to encourage children to Dare To Dream, by helping them harness the power of their imagination.

She said: "Young people watch what we as adults are doing.

"They note from an early age what gets a tick and what gets a cross and for too many years now they see risk-averse equals good; big, bold ideas equals foolish. They see that if it can't be measured it can't have worth.

"If we, as adults, understand the power of dreams, taking risks and pursuing big ideas, why are we teaching our young people otherwise?

"Why do we tend to use the word dreamer in a negative context, as someone who is out of touch with reality, impractical and unable to deliver?

"If imagination is the stepping-stone from one reality to another, we must not accuse our children of having too much or too vivid an imagination, but help them understand the power of harnessing it."

Pete Dwyer, director of learning, culture and children's services at City of York Council, said: "It is a delight to welcome Jude Kelly back to the city.

"Since her time working in York she has moved on to be a significant national player.

"We anticipate her lecture will be challenging and fascinating and as a result maintain the excellent reputation of the York Annual Lecture. I have no doubt that it will generate considerable local and national interest."

The audience will include people interested in children's services from around the region and from further a field.

The lecture will take place on April 9, from 6.45pm to 10pm, at York Racecourse.

Ms Kelly joined the Southbank Centre as artistic director in 2005. In 1986 she joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, then became artistic director of the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

She has directed over 100 productions with actors including Sir Ian McKellen, Alan Rickman and Alison Steadman.