FILM lovers in Portishead are celebrating the return of a cinema facility to the town.

FILM lovers in Portishead are celebrating the return of a cinema facility to the town. The old cinema may be long gone, but a small group of enthusiasts have formed a society called Portishead Film, to provide people with the opportunity to go to the cinema in the town once again.

Portishead Film will be based in the comfortable surroundings of the new Gordano School theatre building, using state-of-the-art equipment, where the tiered seating means everyone will have an excellent view.

Sally Chorlton, who is the extended schools co-ordinator at the school, said: "We are really pleased to be working with Portishead Film to enable our wonderful facilities to be used for the benefit of the community."

The first screening will be of the breezy Oscar-winning comedy, Little Miss Sunshine, on February 7.

This will be followed by a short season of four films at three-weekly intervals.

The season will include films from around the world which are more thought provoking and unusual than those usually found in mainstream cinemas.

The cinema will be open to members of the public but it is hoped that many will join the Society.

Reduced admission costs will be just one of the benefits members will be able enjoy.

Shaun Cheesman from Portishead Film said: "We are hoping to get as many members as possible, this will show people's commitment to cinema in Portishead and give us the confidence to start making longer term plans.

"These plans will include an extended season of films and we may also consider one-off screenings outside the main season, which could include more mainstream blockbusters, children's films or old classics."

On the first night refreshments will be sold from 7.30pm ahead of the 8pm start and at the end of the film there will be a free draw, with the winning ticket holder being presented with a DVD and soundtrack of the film as a souvenir of the inaugural Portishead Film evening.

More information about the group and the forthcoming films can be obtained by calling Shaun on 07504 855167.