CLASSIC cinema from around the world is helping to pull in film buffs at a city library.

Clayport Film Club, based at Durham's new library of the same name, shows quality British and world cinema every fortnight using a high quality digital projector.

About 75 members regularly attend screenings, with the programme for coming weeks expected to draw other lovers of specialist world cinema.

The club goes Russian this week, with a rare chance to see the 1962 debut work of film-maker Andrei Tarkovsky, Ivan's Childhood, to be screen-ed at 7.45pm tomorrow.

It was chosen to link in with a renaissance in Russian cinema, with club members hoping at some stage to be able to show The Return, the recently released and highly acclaimed Russian film.

Film experts agree that Ivan's Childhood probably provided much of the inspiration for The Return.

John Coburn, of Clayport, said it was an example of the quality British and overseas films on offer at the fortnightly screenings.

"We formed the club recently to cater for local film enthusiasts, and our membership is already at the 75 mark."

Films will continue to be shown through the summer months and wider plans for the future include hosting short film events, talks by film experts, workshops and matinee screenings for children.

Membership costs £5, which gives reduced admission prices for six months and the first film free. Tickets for members are £3 and £4 for non-members.

Anyone wanting to know more about the club can call 0191-386 4003.