IN the wake of the England versus Macedonia international, an initiative by Southampton advertising agency LeepeckGreenfield has led to the production of a special corporate video promoting the city as a major UK sporting venue.

It was previewed to VIPs in Southampton before the international at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium and footage from the video will also be used as a promotional tool for the city over the next few years. Backed by Southampton City Council and Southampton FC, LeepeckGreenfield approached the city's leading companies for funding.

"The response was terrific," said Lee Peck, managing director, who masterminded the project. "The England game has given the city a huge boost and while it's brilliant for football fans, it inevitably has a very positive effect on the region's economy. Southampton has much to offer and attracting international events is good for prosperity and the city as a whole."

In the end, 15 organisations took part with Meridian Television and the BBC supplying footage to give the eight-minute promotional tape added depth and perspective.

Among other things the video, titled Southampton Leading the South, incorporated shots of the BAA Millennium Youth Games, the Balloon Festival and major yachting events.

The video also focused on Southampton's status as the south's regional centre for commerce and being among the UK's top ten retail destinations.

Tim Smith, acting head of marketing for Southampton City Council, said: "We were delighted with the video which we are sure made a strong impression on the Football Association and our Macedonian guests. It was a highly professional job completed in record time."