AN opening date has been announced for Weston's new PLAZA Cinema.

From December 15, residents will be able to watch all the latest films at the new venue, which was formally the ODEON.

Having closed in June, the building was purchased by the Merlin Cinemas team, who will continue to bring the magic of cinema to Weston residents.

Speaking at the time of the sale, Geoff Greaves, director of the company, said: “Seeing a film at the cinema with family or friends is a very different experience to watching the film at home.

"With modern digital projection and sound, it is more memorable, and offers a sense of occasion."

Having started in 1990, Merlin Cinemas operate in mainly coastal and rural locations. The company aims to repurpose heritage buildings that have been part of the lives of local people for generations.