A STATE-of-the-art projector is ready to roll the latest films at Durham's Gala Theatre.

The theatre begins a new role as a single-screen cinema showing the latest Hollywood blockbusters tomorrow.

Durham City Council, owner of the £14m venue, has invested thousands of pounds in equipment so that the Gala can show normal size films alongside its regular large format film, Sacred Journey, the story of St Cuthbert and the founding of Durham.

The cinema, which has 116 seats, will begin by screening X-Men 2. The theatre has sign-ed a contract with a major film distributor and is hoping the demand for the latest cinematic action will make the deal a success.

The city has been without a cinema since January when the independent Robins, in North Road, closed to be converted into an Australian theme bar.

Projectionist Neil Robinson, who used to work at the Robins, said: "The people of Durham are going to have the best cinema experience they have ever had.

"This is the sort of equipment found in multiplexes and has Dolby digital sound whereas the equipment in the Robins was a bit outdated.''

Gala marketing assistant Gayle Jackson said the first screenings of X-Men 2 had almost sold out. X-Men 2 will run for two weeks and be shown at 1.45pm, 4.40pm and 8.15pm daily. Tickets cost £4.75 for adults (concessions £3.60).

On Mondays, except bank holidays, tickets, will cost £3.

Sacred Journey will be shown every day at 11am and noon.

For further details call the box office on 0191-332 4041.