CINEMA is returning to a market town after a 44-year absence.

Bedale has not had a permanent cinema since 1961 when shows finished on the top floor of the former town hall and assembly rooms.

But thanks to a £6,500 grant from the York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation, film-lovers will now be able to watch movies on a big screen at the Chantry Hall, next to St Gregory's Church.

The money has allowed the Chantry Hall Management Committee to buy blackout curtains and a hearing loop system and pay for three films a month to be shown for up to a year.

The cinema will be launched on Friday, September 23.

There will be three time-slots showing different films.

At 2pm, romantic comedy Shall We Dance will be shown. The film, which is rated 12A, stars Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez.

The 5pm teatime showing will be A Cat In The Hat, rated PG and the evening showing, at 7.30pm, will be Will Smith comedy, Hitch, rated 12A.

The doors will open half an hour before the start of the performance. Tickets cost £2 for under-16s, £3 for adults and £9 for families of four.

At the teatime and evening showings, customers will be able to buy hot food.

Project leader Catherine Megson said: "We are delighted to be able to answer the wishes of the younger people in our community and start a community cinema.

"Although we can only hold monthly showings, let's hope this is just the start and, with volunteer support and our community turning out each month, there should be opportunities for growth.

"This is a real opportunity for Bedale and I just hope the community will embrace this new facility and help it become another success story."

The film showings have been made possible through the Rural Arts On Screen scheme.

The Thirsk-based charity launched the project earlier this year, taking both commercial and specialised films to communities and groups across North Yorkshire.

The scheme came to Bedale in April and May, showing two films at Bedale High School.