A VOLUNTEER-RUN cinema has celebrated its 100th anniversary by cutting admission prices to £1 for a film screening.
Seventy cinema-goers took advantage of the discount at the Ritz Cinema, in Thirsk, on Monday, on which day full price tickets are usually reduced from £5 to £4.
A spokesman for The Ritz said the offer was not advertised and was arranged for Monday as it is one of the nights that regulars attend the cinema.
He said: “Volunteers took the decision to reduce the price to just a pound to reflect the fact that this week marks the nearest date to when the cinema first arrived in Thirsk.”
Researchers said they had uncovered an article in the Darlington and Stockton Times on October 26, 1912, under a headline Thirsk’s New Picture Hall.
It stated: “The Thirsk magistrates on Monday considered the adjourned application of Mr WN Power, Darlington, for a cinematograph license for Thirsk Public Rooms.
“The magistrates did so and entirely approved of the alterations made. They requested, however, that some strong wire netting be placed at the top of the stairs for the protection of children, and that the chairs be banded together in fours. The license was granted.”
The centenary celebrations will continue with historic films from the Thirsk area being shown and introduced by members of the Yorkshire Film Archive on Friday, December 7.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the cinema can speak to box office staff or call 01845-524751.