THE SKIES over Accrington will be alight with lasers next week when the town's new Cinema opens its doors.

The 870-seat, four-screen complex, will be officially opened a week today, bringing to an end more than 10 years without the silver screen in Accrington.

The previous cinema was replaced by part of the Arndale Centre development and it took a schoolgirl, Emma Allardyce, to provide the impetus to build a new one.

The former Rhyddings High School pupil collected a 40-page petition and presented it to the council and MP Greg Pope to set the ball rolling.

Dignitaries including Hyndburn Mayor Councillor Sandra Hayes and consort Councillor Doug Hayes will be among the invited guests at a special pre-opening ceremony in the afternoon.

At 6pm the first film fans will walk through the doors to enjoy a choice of four films including Lilo and Stitch.

During the evening laser beams will shoot across the skies from the car park, with an imprint of the Premiere Cinemas logo on the front of the building.

"We are hoping to have a nice busy weekend," said Andy Grays, operations manager for the company.

"We are delighted it's about to open. It's obviously been a process with lots involved.

"I think the public will be impressed with the new cinema.