A DOOMED cinema is giving birth to a new cinematic venture - just days before it screens its last show.

The 1930s art deco Odeon, in Middlesbrough, is being used to launch an Internet film project, TeesFilm.Net.

Work is starting on three short animation films for the Internet with a series of digital film animation workshops for young people on Teesside.

The project is a partnership between Middlesbrough Borough Council, Northern Arts and award-winning local film maker Dave Brunskill.

Mr Brunskill said: "Animation combines the arts of storytelling, drawing, modelling, music, dance and performance with audio-visual technology. It's a medium where people of all ages and ability can find success and communicate meaningful issues in a fun way.

"Young people taking part in the workshops will be involved in lots of film-making techniques including camera work, model making, artwork, editing, sound recording, lighting and set design."

The Odeon is being closed by its owners, finance company Cinven, rather than compete with an 11-screen UCG cinema opening near it this month.

Anyone wanting to take part in the film project, or wanting more information, should contact Dave Brunskill, of Animha Productions, on (01642) 813137, visit www.teesfilm.net or e-mail Info