LANCASTER'S ABC cinema will close its doors in the New Year staff have been told.

The old fashioned cinema on King Street will shut on January 13 following a management decision to scale down their operation.

The imminent opening of the six screen Warner multiplex in the city centre is thought to have influenced the decision and staff at the ABC have been offered jobs elsewhere.

A management spokesman said that it was a matter of considerable regret that the cinema would be closing and added that they would like to thank all their loyal customers.