THE first film screening at the Saltburn Community Theatre has been hailed a success.

Three hundred people have taken membership forms to join Saltburn Community and Arts Association's newly-formed film society.

Sixty people attended the first screening.

Arts developer Wilma Gardiner-Gill, who came up with the idea to create a cinema at the theatre, said: "It was a huge success.

"People were really surprised by the quality of the picture and the sound and they enjoyed the free glass of wine and chocolate donated by Bells Stores.

"The only downside so far has been the poor uptake of child membership."

Organisers borrowed equipment from Northern Film and Media as part of a pilot scheme to assess interest.

They hope to obtain funding to establish a permanent cinema at the theatre.

The next screening is on Thursday, at 2pm, when The Emperor's New Groove will be shown for children, who will be given a free drink and a sweet, again thanks to Bells Stores.

Gosford Park will be the next adult screening, at 7.30pm on Thursday.

Anyone wanting to watch a film at the theatre will initially have to join the film society, which costs £2 for adults and 50p for children.

A nominal fee will be charged per film.

Application forms are available from Saltburn library and the Tourist Information Centre.