Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards: Film tells story of Britain's favourite Olympic underdog

• Video report by Faye Barker

He was an unlikely hero whose sporting dreams thrust him into the spotlight 28 years ago.

Michael 'Eddie The Eagle' Edwards was Britain's first ever Olympic ski jumper when he managed to qualify for the 1988 Calgary Games.

And despite losing both the 70m and the 90m events, coming last in both, he captured the hearts of the British public for his sheer determination to fulfill his dreams.

Now, his life story is is told on film, that premieres in London today.

The film, directed by Dexter Fletcher, stars Taron Egerton as the short-sighted ski jumper and Hugh Jackman as his fictional trainer.

It charts the life story of the Cheltenham-born plasterer as he pursues his dream to compete in the Winter Olympics as an amateur athlete.

He set the British record for ski jumping and despite performing badly in the events, won an army of supporters worldwide.

Edwards, who appeared at the New York premiere of the £16 million film with the cast and crew, said of the film: "I was blown away by it, it brings tears to my eyes. It made me cry."

• Eddie The Eagle is on general release at UK cinemas from April 1.