CINEMA buffs will soon be able to grab themselves a piece of history when fixtures and fittings from a historic Blackburn cinema go under the hammer.

The former Apollo cinema, King William Street, is to be stripped bare and sold by lot in an online auction expected to raise £50,000.

Bosses at Apollo closed the 100-year-old cinema last year and the building was bought by Rossendale property developers the Hurstwood Group, who plan to transform it into a mixture of shops and restaurants.

Now fans will be able to lay their hands on lots including 800 cinema seats, movie projectors, projection screens, illuminated signs and displays, and even popcorn makers.

Gary Taylor, Hurstwood Group's senior development surveyor, said: "The building holds many unusual pieces and this auction represents a fantastic opportunity for any cinema enthusiasts out there to get their hands on some fascinating pieces of cinema memorabilia.

"We were advised by the auctioneers that the best way to handle such an unusual sale was to make it an online auction - that way we could attract a global, rather than local audience."

The Hurstwood Group had attempted to keep the venue - the former Cotton Exchange building - running as a cinema, but due to lack of interest changed the plans to include shops and restaurants.

The landmark was built in 1862, and is best known as the last place Charles Dickens gave a public reading. Escapologist Houdini and Labour Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald also spoke there.

Following the auction Hurstwood is planning to strip back the building, exposing its original features.

Mr Taylor said: "Some of the building's original features were covered over when it was a cinema so this redevelopment work will give us the perfect opportunity to restore it to its former glory.

"The original roof beams and wood carvings are particularly interesting and give the place a great deal of charm and character."

There will be a viewing between 10am and 4pm on Tuesday, October 3.

Bids can then be made online on www.bidspotter.com with the sale closing on Thursday, October 5.