A VOLUNTEER-RUN cinema is planning to apply for another grant to improve its facilities.

The Ritz Cinema volunteers group, in Thirsk, is keen to secure funding from the UK Film Council.

The cinema building, in Westgate, opened as a Mechanics' Institute in the 19th Century.

In 1934, it became a cinema, was closed for several years in the Seventies, but reopened in the Eighties.

The building has been changed little since it first became a cinema, and the Ritz Cinema volunteers group wants to gain funding to upgrade the centre.

Committee chairman John Potter said: "It was designed for the old days, when film could burst into flames and the projection booth cannot be accessed from inside the cinema.

"But film does not do that now, and we are looking at improving the projection room and making it bigger.

"The UK Film Council has about £500,000 on offer to apply for, but you can only bid for about £50,000. The money is only open to small, independent cinemas and cannot be given to those which are part of a chain.

"We are trying to put together a grant application."

Talks are still at an early stage, but any grant application must be lodged this year.

Funding would also be used to buy new projection equipment.

The equipment would be easier to operate, meaning volunteers would be keener to come forward.

The cinema was given £4,800 in December last year by the UK Film Council for improvement work.

The funds were spent on new projector lenses, screen and a new fire alarm.

To join the volunteers, call 01845-524751.