FILM fans are ready to take their seats for movie premiere night in Accrington this week with the opening of the town's new cinema.

Manager Brandon Neal is now overseeing the final preparations at the four-screen complex before its opening on Friday.

It is equipped with the latest technology, large screens, surround sound, and modern, comfortable seating offering plenty of legroom.

The cinema also has a fully automated projection room, computerised ticketing, and an advance phone system for seat reservation. Each screen also has wheelchair access.

It opens to the public 6pm on Friday, although there will be an earlier private ceremony for dignitaries including Hyndburn Mayor Coun Sandra Hayes and schoolgirl Emma Allardice, who raised a 40-page petition to bring a cinema back to Accrington three years ago.

In its first few months it will show the latest releases including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the new James Bond movie, Die Another Day.

Fans of classic cinema hits will also be catered for with the setting up of a Classic Screen Club showing evergreens such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, Vertigo, Singing in the Rain and more.

The club will meet two afternoons a week from the New Year.

The cinema opening has been delayed by a series of teething problems.

But Mr Neal, manager of the 870-seat cinema, said: "There's not much to do now, we are getting there.

"I think it's going to be really good for the community, it's just what they need in the town. And we are helping with employment. Hopefully we are going to be mega busy and will be able to increase that in the future."

The cinema, which has created 15 full-time and part-time jobs, is the final part of the £3.5 million Viaduct Centre, which also has a 20-lane Superbowl and a McDonald's drive-thru restaurant.