The flicker of the silver screen will return to a Chorley village next month more than half a century after the final credits last rolled.

Whittle Pictures on Union Street, Whittle-le-Woods, opened in 1920 and showed films three times a week until it closed in 1955.

But now a revival is underway, with Chorley Film Society screening the blockbuster Pride and Prejudice on March 3, with the promise of more films to come if the showing is a success.

The announcement has brought back a wave of nostalgia for people old enough to remember attending the 'flicks' in their youth.

Councillor Eric Bell, who has helped organise the revival, said: "I was a regular at the picture house in the 1950s and it will be good to see films shown there again.

"In the old days the spools of the new films would come by bus and be dropped off by the conductor at the Bay Horse pub.

"The prices were 5d, 9d or a shilling, depending on how close to the screen you were.

"One memory I have is watching The Mummy's Hand. It was quite scary for that time and when we left it was pitch black outside. That was quite a frightening walk home."

After the closure the Union Street building was used by engineering firm Bonney Greenhalgh until 1990. It was converted into a the village hall, opened officially by Great Britain rugby league star Brian Carney last year.

Eddie Robinson, of Chorley Film Society, said: "We are very happy to be showing the film in Whittle. This will act as a pilot and if it is a success we hope to show films there on a regular basis."

Pride and Prejudice, based on Jane Austen's classic and starring Keira Knightley and Donald Sutherland, will show at 7.30pm on March 3. Admisssion is £3. Tickets are available from Councillor Bell on 01257 262719, Peter Higham on 01257 264180 or Margaret Ward on 01257 273748.