FOR film-lovers stepping into The Ritz can be like turning back the clock to when cinema screens were hidden behind heavy curtains and ice-creams were sold in the dark from a person with a torch and a tray.

Boasting its pleasant touches of early 20th Century authenticity, the cinema in Thirsk also provides the comforts and amenities that society has grown accustomed to.

With new seating, Dolby surround sound, a kiosk selling an assortment of sweets and continuous ticket offers it is hardly surprising that the cinema manages to compete with their multi-screen rivals.

The Ritz is one of a kind in Hambleton and a local treasure that people living in Thirsk are proud to call their own.

Originally opened to show silent movies in 1912, the Picture House, as it was then known, changed its name to The Ritz in 1927 and ran successfully until the 1950s.

But with the advent of television and bingo the cinema was forced to close a number of times and often faced an uncertain future.

The 230-seat cinema in its present form was reborn in March 1995 with the enthusiasm of members of Thirsk Town Council.

After only 12 months it passed into the hands of volunteers and has retained the support of local people.

Giving their time and efforts to the cinema, the dozen or so volunteers are constantly looking at ways to improve the facilities, while also maintaining the important elements of tradition.

Plans have recently been drawn up to refurbish the wash rooms by providing disabled facilities, to create a meeting room and to replace the front doors.

Along with funding from the Market Town Initiative and North Yorkshire County Council, local volunteer secretary Michele I'Anson said an additional £10,000 will have to be raised to cover the restoration costs.

She said: "We rely on the revenue from the films and the small amount we make on ice cream and sweets.

"We are doing very well at the moment and it is nice to see that local residents are so supportive.

"It is encouraging to see familiar faces of the old and the young coming back time and again, and we are grateful to them for helping to keep this delightful cinema running."

Two blockbuster movies - The Pianist and Catch Me If You Can - will be screened this week.

For details about times and prices, call the box office on (01845) 524751.