A group has been awarded £2,500 to bring the cinema experience back to the people of Gorleston.

Six volunteers have been meeting for several months in the town with the aim of reviving the Community Cinema which stopped screenings in the summer of 2013. The library based screenings were a hit with residents but stopped after budget cuts made it unviable.

Lewes Epps, chairman of Gorleston Community Cinema, set up last year to restart the regular showing of films at the library, said: “We were recently awarded £2,500 to cover starting up and running the cinema for a year and to make it self sustaining. We are almost at a point where we can start showing films, but will need more volunteers to assist on screen nights, and there are also places on the committee for anyone who wishes to be more involved.”

As an independent, non profit organisation, the cinema will show a diverse range of films, appealing to all age groups, from the latest blockbuster hits to independent and world film. The group hopes to attract families by showing children’s films during the school holidays.

All proceeds raised from ticket sales will be reinvested into future screenings and the sustainability of the cinema.

The new cinema will use the same equipment, funded through MESH, as the previous group. But the £2,500 has been awarded by the Love Norfolk fund - administered by Norfolk Community Foundation - to pay for initial start up and running costs for one year.

Lewes Epps added: “Gorleston Community Cinema is entirely run by volunteers and is welcoming more, with a variety of roles available, from ushers to projectionists. If you have an enthusiasm for film and would like to be involved, please contact the group by emailing gorlestoncinema@yahoo.co.uk for more information.”

The cinema also has its own Facebook page – Gorleston Community Group - which supporters can “like” and keep up to date with the latest news. There will also be posters around town for screening times.