ONE of Lancashire's oldest cinemas will be celebrating the centenary of the movies in "grand" style this weekend.

Clitheroe's Grand Cinema in York Street will be presenting a special show on Friday and Saturday as part of the national Cinema 100 festivities, and all movie buffs are invited to join in the celebrations.

And the celebrations coincide with Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans' plea for more Government support for the performing arts in rural areas.

In 1920, the Civic Hall Cinema opened up as The Grand and has been open ever since, providing a stage for many and varied shows over the years as well as a traditional style picture house.

This year marks the centenary year of British cinema and, as well as the special show, the Civic Hall will be re-named "The Grand Film Theatre".

In association with the British Film Institute, Cinema 100 will be presenting "The Living Picture Show" at Clitheroe's cinema. The show is a parade of great moments in film which combines film clips from the favourites of the silver screen and live theatre with actors guiding the viewer through 100 years of cinema-going.

Among the films captured in the show are Ben Hur, Brief Encounter, Star Wars and Four Weddings and Funeral, as well as many, many more.

Meanwhile, Mr Evans has been asking Secretary of State for Arts and Heritage Virginia Bottomley to back performing arts projects such as theatres, cinemas and village halls in rural areas.

He said: "There are many people who live in rural areas who find it difficult to get to urban areas to watch performances of plays.

"They should not be denied this opportunity.

"These kinds of venues should not be forgotten when grants are given from the National Lottery or from the Department of National Heritage."

The centenary picture shows begin at 7.30pm at the Grand on both Friday and Saturday, and tickets are on sale at Clitheroe Tourist Information Centre on 01200 25566.

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