And if it hadn't been for a chance meeting in a Madrid bar in 1963, Sheffield might never have had its most famous film of all time…

It was there that Marie-Luise, who was with her mother on vacation from Germany, caught the eye of Sheffield film-maker Jim Coulthard, who was over there shooting his latest project.

It was love at first sight and ten years later they were celebrating the completion of filming City On The Move (now re-titled The Reel Monty) – the 1972 Sheffield promotional film that ended up becoming the most watched city promotional film ever thanks to a part of fronting The Full Monty.

They made their home in Sheffield but still had regular visits to Marie-Luise's beloved family home – Sommer Berg Hotel in Germany's Black Forest.

Jim died in 2003 but Marie-Luise – following the renewed interested in their films following the re-release on DVD of The Reel Monty in partnership with city regeneration company Creative Sheffield – has just fulfilled his dying wish.

She said: "Jim loved the Peak District so much and wanted to share his passion with everyone he met. It was his wish to shoot a film that truly celebrated the people and places of the area like never before and touched on virtually every aspect of Peak District life."

A Year In The Life of The Peak District' – which is nearly two hours long – is available for £16.95 from The Star Shop, York Street, Sheffield S1 1PU or www.amazon.co.uk and www.acmretro.com

Derbyshire's stately homes
We had the chance to meet and interview the owners of these fantastic attractions.

You could only admire their feelings of passion and commitment to keep these great tourism attractions open to the public. There's so much – Chatsworth Park, for example – that's free and I think that's so admirable. I live in Baslow and to have Chatsworth on your doorstep is truly amazing.

Countryside
If you're a foreigner it's only coming from somewhere like Germany's Black Forest and its breathtaking scenery that allows you to appreciate what Derbyshire has to offer with its hills and valleys. The Peak District has amazing contrast between its softer south and rougher/harder north. The colours differ dramatically between different seasons.

I think the organisation of the Peak Park is a blueprint for other countries, with its footpaths, cycle paths, bridleways and dedicated places to park cars.

We take it for granted but it is quite amazing.

I told one of the German mayors that oversee the Black Forest that he could learn a thing or two…

Restaurants and coffee shops
The Peak District has a truly amazing variety and we were regularly spoilt for choice. From the extravagance of Fischers at Baslow to the hordes of quaint tea rooms and bustling coffee shops, there was always plenty of choice.

Music
Wherever we went in the Peak District there seemed to be uplifting sound of music. Whether it be the traditional chorus of churches or the joyous song from the amazing variety of summer festivals, there was always something to hum along to.

History
This was such passion of ours and I hope we didn't leave anything out… The plight of Mary Queen of Scots has been such a part of the fabric of the Peak District as she spent so much of her life here.
Overseas tourists are fascinated by this story so much and you can follow her trail – as we did years earlier for a film we shot for Sheffield City Council – right up to Scotland.

Sport
I was lucky enough to be the lady captain at Sickleholme Golf Club in the year we shot the film and it made me realise how lucky I was to be a member of such a great and friendly club with such breathtaking views.
But even for the non-golfer there is so much more to keep you active: climbing, flying and caving to name but a few.
And you have to give a mention to the amazing work of the region's rescue teams who do such a fantastic job.

A hot air balloon over Chatsworth
One of the most exhilarating things we did in the making of 'A Year In The Life of The Peak District' was catching a balloon ride over the annual Chatsworth Country Fair.

To see all the hustle and bustle below from the total silence of being high in the sky was surreal. Add to that an amazing sunset and you've got an experience I'll never forget.

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