A COMMUNITY cinema that has been growing in popularity in Fordingbridge is celebrating after been shortlisted for a national award.

The Regal Cinema in Fordingbridge is up for the Best New Society at the Film Society of the Year Awards, which is run by Cinema for All.

Barry Robbins, of the Regal Cinema, said: “We are all absolutely delighted at the news. It’s national recognition of the cinema’s achievements.

“We’re extremely grateful to all the volunteers who love coming to the cinema, it’s a great community hub.”

There is currently a core of 40 or 50 volunteers who lend a hand at the cinema.

The cinema in Shaftesbury Street, which is run by Fordingbridge Regal Cinema Club, 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.

Since it’s opening cinema membership has been growing, as Barry explains: “Membership has grown, we started out with a handful of founder members. Now, we have well over 400. It is great to have that support. By becoming a member you are investing in the place,” added Barry.

“You don’t need to be a member to see a film at the cinema. It’s a bit of a misconception. Yes, we are a club but it’s not exclusive. There are advantages to becoming a member, you get priority booking and pay less for tickets.”

Following the success of its first film festival last year, the cinema is holding the Film Festival of Flight, which runs from September 20 to 29. “Some of the most iconic films of their time have an aviation theme, from Tom Cruise in Top Gun, to Richard Todd and Michael Redgrave in the 1955 war movie The Dam Busters, so we’re excited to be showing these films in our second annual film festival,” said Barry.

For more go to theregalcinema.org or call 01425 652602.