PRESTON city centre could be in line for a major new business coup it was revealed this week.

Bosses from City Screen, a chain of independent cinemas with picture houses in university cities across the country, have been in talks with council chiefs.

Preston could be next in line for one of the stylish cinemas, joining the likes of York, London and Cambridge.

A spokesman for the firm, based in London, confirmed company director Tony Jones visited Preston for talks with city council chiefs. It is understood he discussed the matter with Steven Jones, the council's director of regeneration, as well as representatives from the university.

Councillor Veronica Afrin, cabinet member for regeneration, community and leisure, welcomed the interest from the firm. She said: "Our England's newest city campaign is all about getting businesses to invest in Preston.

"The city is a great place for business with its excellent location, transport and communication links, regeneration plans and thriving student population, so we welcome City Screen's interest -- although it's still very early days."

City Screen are known for moving into the centre of university cities and towns, making their cinemas easy to get to on foot.

The company, which was set up in 1989, offers alternatives to the latest Hollywood releases, with foreign film seasons and art exhibitions.

Each cinema even has its own cafe bar, and in Preston the branch could be an alternative to the existing cinemas at the Capitol Centre, Walton-le-Dale, and on the Riversway Docks.

And local business leaders have praised the move. Carol Lowde, president of the Preston and district chamber of trade, said: "This shows that Preston is being considered for projects.

"It shows there are investors out there that treat Preston seriously.

"If Preston is lucky enough to get this new complex it could have an impact on other businesses in and around the town."

Michael Lockwood, founder of Preston Film Society, is keen to see the plans take shape. He said: "I set the film society up in 1970 and the original aim was to get an art cinema or something going here.

"There are still a lot of films that don't get shown in Preston. A lot get reviewed and then seem to disappear."