FILMS from the early twentieth century through to the current Harry Potter blockbuster will be shown at the Ritz cinema in Thirsk to celebrate its 90th anniversary.

Once a fortnight, The Ritz will set aside Sunday night for special showings of movies which date back as far as the early 1900s.

Among them are the Winky comedies from 1914 - the lead character played by Reginald Switz - a documentary on life in the mines in 1910 and a selection of early films, including footage of Queen Victoria's funeral.

The management has promised that nostalgia won't mean disappointment for fans of the latest Hollywood hits,.

Next month the two big films of the moment, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, will both be screened.

Movie classics planned for later in the year include a showing of the original thirties version of King Kong, Brief Encounter, Singin' in the Rain, The Italian Job, Saturday Night Fever, Blade Runner and Schindler's List.

The screenings begin at 7.30pm this Sunday with 1895-1913 A Selection of Early Films, covering the development of cinema from the first public performances to the first feature-length production, Early Yorkshire Film Makers (1900-1907) and Edwardian Newsreel.

The following Sunday sees the second part of Early Yorkshire Film Makers, the 1915 classic Birth of a Nation and Charlie Chaplin in The Rink.

The Ritz has been run for several years by a small but dedicated team of volunteers.

Spokesman Marc Davies said yesterday: "We thought it would be an interesting way of both paying back the regulars and also reaching out to new visitors."

Selecting the films to be shown turned out to be a tricky job.

"Ironically it is easier to hire or buy videos and DVDs of some titles than to actually get the reels of film to put through projectors.

"This meant that the initial list of classics had to be amended several times."

He added: "Some of them may have been on the small screen during the year - but nothing beats the effect of the original imagery playing on the proper big screen."

The full list of the 90th birthday films can be obtained from the cinema or on its web site, www.ritzcinema.co.uk or by calling (01845) 524751.