A MOVE to help give Northallerton its own cinema has paid dividends.

Organisers of a special movie show have been encouraged by the response, and more films could now be shown.

Rotary Club members teamed up with young campaigners who are calling for a Northallerton cinema and brought a movie night to the town's Hambleton Forum.

Pirates of the Caribbean was screened earlier this month in a bid to assess the level of support for a local cinema. Some 50 people turned up.

"The project was fairly successful," said youth worker Emma Casson. "The fact that so many turned up was a start and we are definitely looking to screen more films in view of the positive feedback from those who attended."

Desire for a cinema in Northallerton has been made clear in consultations for a local development plan. Rotarians picked up on this, along with calls from youngsters who have launched a separate campaign for better facilities for young people in the town.

The desire for a cinema consistently figures high on the list.

Ms Casson, a Lifelong Learning youth worker who is helping the young people's campaign, said: "This is a joint effort between Rotary, youth workers and young people. It is a way of bringing the community together. Many people want to see a cinema in Northallerton so this is a positive step forward."

Arts in Richmond donated the projection equipment for the screening.

"The Forum as a venue was superb and the quality of film delivery was fantastic," said Ms Casson.

Young people from the town's Base Project sold refreshments at the show and Ms Casson says they are looking forward to the next screening.