HOPES of a long-awaited return of the cinema to Saltburn are very much alive.

So successful was a recent pilot aimed at assessing interest for it, funds have been found for an extended run.

Saltburn Community and Arts Association, which had borrowed equipment from Northern Film and Media for the six-film pilot scheme in the Community Theatre, has now received further funding from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for another four screenings this month.

Wilma Gardiner-Gill, the association's arts development promoter, said the success of the pilot scheme and the extended run should be a big help towards more funding for a permanent cinema in the theatre.

Saturday, December 13, sees the first of the screenings with Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone at 2pm and Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring at 7pm.

On the 18th it is Chicago at 7pm. Annie will be shown on the 19th at 6pm with Bridget Jones' Diary at 8pm.

Membership of the association film society is necessary to see the films and numbers now stand at 390. Application forms are available from the library and the tourist information centre. Membership is £1 for adults and 50p for children. Admission to each film is £2 for adults and £1 for children.

Ms Gardner-Gill is also appealing for help to set up the cinema equipment for each screening. Call her on 01287 626995.