FILM buffs are flocking to a new alternative film club.

Clayport Film Club was set up in Clayport Library, in Durham City, last March, by Durham County Council employees Geoff Pratt and John Coburn.

The not-for-profit society aims to offer the best in world cinema and independent movies from the UK and USA.

Mr Coburn said: "Averaging around 65 people per showing, with a membership of just under 200, we're one of the fastest growing film societies in the UK."

The club was set up in the wake of the closure of the Robins cinema in the city's North Road three years ago - now the Walkabout Australian theme bar. "The closure had a profound impact on the local community, especially since no cinema has been set up since then to effectively take its place," said Mr Coburn.

The club's fortnightly programme starts on Thursday, January 13, at 7.45pm, with a screening of the acclaimed 2004 Italian film, I'm Not Scared.

The annual meeting is on January 20.

The library also hosts Studies in Silent Cinema, run by local film historian David Williams.

The weekly series looks at early twentieth century Hollywood and starts on January 12, at 7pm, with the 1913 film Traffic In Souls.