FILM fans frustrated at living miles from their nearest multiplex will soon be able to visit their local village hall to watch the latest blockbusters.

Arts development agency Arts in Richmondshire is launching a project to take major films around the district with a touring screen.

The project, Film Around Richmondshire, will give people the chance to see films in village halls, schools and community centres.

Arts in Richmondshire will provide the films on DVD or VHS, projectionists and tickets, as well as transport the equipment and help with publicity.

The promoters will sell tickets, prepare the hall, publicise the show and provide refreshments.

The first screening will be Calendar Girls, which will be shown at four village halls at the beginning of March.

Film fan Trevor Boning has joined Arts in Richmondshire to co-ordinate the project.

He is already looking to start taking bookings from local promoters and village halls.

He said: "We're already liaising with about 20 venues about having screenings and we expect many more to join in once they have experienced the films and realise it can work in their venues too."

He said it was possible to show films in small village halls because there were two different screen sizes. The first screening of Calendar Girls will be at Newton-le-Willows village hall, on Friday, March 4.

After that, the film will be shown in Gunnerside village hall on Saturday, March 5, Hawes Market House on March 6 and Middleton Tyas village hall on March 9.

The film starts at 8pm and tickets cost £3.50 for adults or £2.50 for concessions. Tickets are available at the door.

Anyone interested in screening a film, can call Arts in Richmondshire on (01969) 625142.

A similar project was launched last year by Thirsk-based Rural Arts.

It shows classic films, as well as recent releases, children's films and archive footage.

Published: 25/02/2005