Owners Jane and Jason Brine are celebrating after being awarded lottery funding of £510 which they used to purchase black-out blinds.

Mrs Brine said: “We started screening films at the Swell cinema two years ago. Since then it has proved to be both a facility for the local community and a tourist attraction.

“The Whitby Gazette has provided invaluable support promoting our film evenings and we have had up to 100 people at some screenings. The grant from the UK Film Council is the first financial support we have received for the cinema and the new blinds will significantly enhance the customer experience.”

Swell is one of eight cinemas in Yorkshire celebrating a lottery cash boost of more than £35,000 from the UK Film Council to help them improve and update their facilities.

The funding for local independent cinemas will enable cinema-goers across the country to enjoy imroved facilities.

Peter Buckingham at the UK Film Council said: “Small independent cinemas often represent the hub of a local community, but many can’t afford to upgrade their facilities.

“We hope these funds will make it possible for cinema-goers across Yorkshire to enjoy film in a more comfortable environment.”