CHAMPAGNE flowed freely and fireworks sparkled in the night sky as Burnley's new cinema opened in spectacular style on Tuesday.

TV's Phillip Schofield was special guest as local dignitaries gathered for the gala night at Hollywood Park.

The nine-screen movie-house hosted a timely European premiere of the new American comedy Father's Day,.

The occasion began with a champagne reception in the foyer as guests were greeted by a jazz band and given a guided tour of the building, including the luxurious Director's Auditorium, complete with its own licensed bar and plush armchair-style seats.

Among the 100 guests were the mayors of Burnley and Pendle, the chief of police, the chairman of Burnley Football Club and top council officers.

Phillip Schofield made a rock-star entrance as he rolled up in a big white limousine to be greeted by a group of teenage girl fans. He then chatted to guests before the film, starring Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, had them all chuckling.

Apollo Leisure, clearly proud of the cinema's state-of-the-art sight, sound and seating, gave all the audience a Hollywood Park baseball cap and T-shirt as a memento of the night the movies returned to Burnley.

Then it was out to a marquee, decorated with hundreds of fairy lights and lavish floral displays, for a slap-up supper and a presentation to Dorothy Hutchinson, who, with her late husband, Alan, founded the Hutchinson cinema group which owned Unit Four, Brierfield - the first of Apollo's acquisitions when it entered the movie business 10 years ago.

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