CINEMA-goers are having their viewing experience brought into sharper focus thanks a cash investment.

Redcar and Cleveland Local Enterprise Growth Initiative has paved the way for a £80,000 investment for Redcar's Regent Cinema.

The new hi-tech installations - digital projection equipment and 3-D Digital Projection Capability - will ensure audiences in the 266-seater cinema enjoy a sharper, clearer image.

Cinema boss Neil Bates said: "We're thrilled with this brilliant new technology. Regular 2D titles will also benefit from a brighter, sharper image that will never degrade from dust or scratches like film projection would."

The cinema successfully applied for the grant in time for one of the films of the year, the 3-D space fantasy, Avatar.

The Regent is the latest business to benefit from the LEGI Business Growth Fund, created to help small businesses invest to boost tourism.

The Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism Councillor Sheelagh Clarke said: "It's so important to ensure the Regent survives and this investment will help their cause.

"We are proud to own the building and equally proud of the work Neil and his family are doing to preserve cinema in the town, but it's not an easy task."

For more information about accessing the Fund, call 01642 495707 or email darren_rudd@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.