A MAN has been delving into the history of Empress Runcorn to discover its hidden stories.

David Ellis, from Chester, visited the cinema on numerous occasions as a patron and as a visitor to the projection box.

The 71-year-old, who went on to work in the film department at the BBC in London, has shared his findings in the hope it will trigger a trip down memory lane for its former visitors.

He said: "The Empress cinema on Lowlands Road, Runcorn, was the head office of Cheshire County Cinemas, run by the Godfrey family.

"They ran several cinemas in Cheshire and Lancashire. In Runcorn they also owned the Scala cinema, which was originally known as the Palace Kinema.

"This became Scala in the late 1920s and Cheshire County Cinemas took over in 1930.

"The cinema screenings ceased in 1957 and it became a dance hall, called La Scala.

"Its claim to fame was two appearances by the fab four, the Beatles, playing there on October 16, 1962 and November 12, 1962.

"It was eyes down in 1970 when bingo was the name of the game.

"It closed for good in 2006 and had the demolition hammer on it in 2012.

"The small circuit also ran the Kings cinema Other cinemas in the circuit included the Woolton, Liverpool, the Empire and Plaza Widnes and the Regal and Plaza Northwich."

It is understood the Empress Runcorn opened on December 26, 1913 but it was closed for alterations on June 11, 1915.

Mr Ellis added: "It re-opened on August 16, 1915, and was run by Robert Godfrey, better known as Robert Hamilton. Later, Cheshire County Cinemas were formed.

"The foyer of the Empress was small with a paybox on the right, as you entered. Next to the paybox was a door leading to the small projection room.

"Opposite the paybox was the balcony staircase. The 1,023 seat cinema, which originally housed 1,200 had a fully equipped stage. For many years the manager was a John Darlington.

"He was there in the silent era, and and would stand behind the screen, creating sound effects. Later, a Mr Horton took over the manager's duties.

"For many years the chief operator was a man by the name of Percy. The relief projectionist was a John Forster.

"He would cover at other cinemas including the Plaza Widnes. "On June 23 1973 the little Empress closed with the film The Clockwork Orange, and it was later demolished for road development."