FILM fans of all ages, from two-month old babies to 92-year-old women, have been given the opportunity to see the latest movies on the big screen in the heart of their village.

The Clayton Community Cinema welcomed more than 70 residents to its official opening in the village hall with a screening of Beauty and the Beast on Sunday.

The project has been a year in the making and aims to bring residents together through a shared love of films.

Andrew Waterman, one of the organisers, said: “It’s there for the people who wouldn’t usually go to town for the cinema. Maybe it’s too far if they feel intimidated. This community cinema is on their doorstep and it has been bringing the community together.

“We have a real mix of ages and ethnicities and I think films can help with that. It’s a great leveller.”

The 53-year-old, who stepped in as the “glamorous usherette” selling ice creams at the screening, said the cinema has gone from strength to strength after receiving a £10,000 boost from the Big Lottery Fund.

Eight volunteers, including members of a nearby Scout group, help run the cinema which will be meeting on the third Sunday of every month at Clayton Village Hall from February 2018.

Mr Waterman said: “Choosing films has been a bit of trial and error. We take suggestions from residents because it’s their cinema so it’s up to them.

“We’ve had a few surprisingly popular ones like Viceroy’s House, which went down really well, and Bridget Jones’s Baby.

“I chose Hunt for the Wilderpeople which was a bit of a leap of faith but that went down well too.

“People have been surprised when they see it because it does give you a full cinema surround sound. It shakes the room, it’s like a proper cinema.”

The project grew out of the Green Moor Community Cinema scheme launched by Mazhar Ellahi and has been supported by residents including Councillor Carol Thirkill.

Mr Waterman explained that equipment for the cinema costs £8,500 and organisers must pay £120 for a licence for each film they screen. He added that there is a small admission fee to the cinema to help meet costs.

David Wilson, director of Bradford City of Film, officially opened the cinema and spoke about the importance of the project.

Visit the Clayton Community Cinema Facebook page to find out about future events.