BLACKBURN'S new multi-million pound multiplex cinema has begun taking bookings for the films.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire -- the fourth blockbuster in the series of book adaptations -- will be screened for the first time at the Vue cinema at 9am on Friday, November 18.

A total of 19 screenings of the film will take place that day -- with late screenings at 11.20pm and 11.50pm.

Another 19 will take place the day after, followed by 16 on the Sunday, and it is listed to show all week.

The cinema, which is part of a £30million development by Rossendale man John Whittaker's company Peel Holdings firm, has 10 screens, including one dedicated to Bollywood films.

It has been built next to Blackburn railway station and is accessible via Lower Audley Street. A Pizza Hut, bowling alley and gym have also been included in the complex, which has been masterminded by Mr Whittaker's son James.

Bookings are now being taken on Vue's website for Harry Potter but not for any other films, yet.

Other films being trailed at the cinema include The Chronicles of Narnia, due for release on December 9. It is the cinematic adaptation of C S Lewis' book, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Around 40 staff have been taken on at the new cinema.

A spokesman for Vue said: "Everyone here is very excited about the opening. Our aim is to provide people in Blackburn with the best cinematic experience."

The company has stressed it will continue running its smaller cinema in Accrington, which it bought and refurbished last year after the previous company had run into financial difficulties.

Blackburn's existing cinema, the Apollo in King William Street, which has five screens, is also taking bookings for Harry Potter.

Its owners, based in Walton Summit, near Preston, told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph earlier this week that they will be reviewing their Blackburn operation on a week-by-week basis once the new Vue opens.