COMMUNITY leaders have revealed plans to bring the big screen back to two rural towns.

Town councillors in Malton and Norton are hoping to reopen the cinema, which closed four years ago, at The Lanes, Malton.

Jean Brown, a former mayor of Malton, is backing the plans for the building to be revamped as a cinema and a community meeting place.

"There is very little for people, young and old, to do in Malton and Norton, and we need to get this place back open," she said.

"My only concern is that, although there is a great deal of support for the scheme, it is going to cost a lot of money."

Mike Brown, arts officer with Ryedale District Council, said he was prepared to liaise with project organisers on funding issues.

"I have got a lot of information on cinemas in rural areas and I would be happy to work with a committee to get the cinema back," he said