THE Regal Cinema in Fordingbridge is in need of more volunteers to lend a hand.

The cinema in Shaftesbury Street opened its doors in the summer of 2017.

The Regal Cinema first opened in 1933 but closed in 1965 before it became a pottery business. The pottery business closed in 2012 and in 2016 Corintech purchased the site.

It is run by the Fordingbridge Regal Cinema Club and hosts an average of five public screenings a week, which include community screenings with discounted ticket prices and live satellite performances of theatre, opera and ballet.

Emma Goddard, of the Regal Cinema, said: “We already have a fantastic team of volunteers but due to the cinema’s growing success The Regal is looking for new volunteers to join their team.

“Like many community organisations we’re dependent on the support, skills and time kindly donated to us by volunteers but we aim to give a lot back too.”

All volunteers receive full training and get a free ticket for every ten shifts completed.

They help check tickets, run the screening technology and the bar.

Emma added: “Even if you can only help once a month, it can make a difference. Helping with checking tickets, working on the bar or running the technology for the screening can be a lot of fun, especially as we are blessed with such lovely members and cinema goers who always make volunteering a real pleasure.”

Janet de Lange, who regularly volunteers at the cinema, said: “I was ready as a retired person to give some time to the community as a volunteer and the Regal Cinema caught my interest at the right time.

“Fordingbridge seems to be ‘waking up’ and lots of exciting new events are starting up like the new Culture Week at the end of May, and the Regal is very much part of it, and the town’s revival.

“I really enjoy being part of a lovely group of volunteers who have somewhat replaced lost work relationships.

“It has also widened my horizons and given me some new challenges. Being a volunteer has enabled me to see many great films I would otherwise not have known about.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer is asked to contact Bridget by emailing info@theregalcinema.org or calling 01425 652602.

For more information about the cinema go to theregalcinema.org