SMALL town cinemas are celebrating after managing to secure The Hulk movie on its general release date.

The Lamplight Arts Centre in Stanley and Empire Theatre in Consett normally have to wait weeks before films finally reach their screens.

But The Hulk, which has netted a record-breaking 62m dollars at the box office in the United States, will open for preview in Stanley on July 12. It will open at the Empire Theatre for general release date on July 18, along with the other major cinemas.

Derwentside District Council's marketing manager for leisure services Sue Fox said: "We are absolutely delighted. This is a big coup for us. Normally we have to wait four to five weeks for some releases.

"There is a market for a cinema around this area, with a lot of people who cannot afford the transport to town or the MetroCentre."

Agent Nick Varley, who was approached by the council for help, said: "It is a major achievement to secure this film for opening night and preview at the same time as the major complexes. To be able to secure a film on release you have to be able to offer a 14 day run, otherwise it is not worth the distributor's while.

"The problem with the Empire is that because it serves as a theatre as well they cannot always to that."

The pre-release of the Hulk will be held at The Lamplight Arts Centre, at 2pm on July 12. It will run at the Empire Theatre from July 18-31 and at the Lamplight from August 1-7.

For tickets, call the Lamplight on (01207) 218899 or the Empire on 218171.