A golden age of cinema will come to Ilkley Lido next weekend when it plays host to a drive-in movie show.

The event, believed to be the first of its kind in the district, will hark back to an age when drive-ins were viewed as the most glamorous way to watch films.

And the double-bill of classic American movies, Grease and An American Werewolf In London, come at the end of a successful summer for the outdoor pool, which saw visitor numbers increase again.

A Live At The Lido rock concert and Listed Lido theatre events earlier in the summer have helped raise the profile of the Lido with visitor numbers up by 1.9 per cent.

The drive-in movie idea was dreamed up by members of the Friends of Ilkley Lido (FOIL), who are trying to raise money to protect the pool and improve facilities at the listed building.

It is being run with help from Bradford Council and sponsorship from the Bradford City of Film and a custom-made screen has had to be built to stage the event.

FOIL chairman Becky Malby said: “It’s exciting to think this is probably the first time a drive-in movie has ever been staged around here and hopefully we’ll have a nice dry night and everyone will have lots of fun.

“Although the weather may not have been as kind as it might have been this year, it’s nevertheless been a great summer for the Lido.

“The Council and FOIL have been working hard to try to raise the profile of the pool so more people can come to appreciate what a special place it is.

“Hopefully that’s being reflected in the numbers now coming to visit.”

There will room for 50 cars at the drive-in on Saturday, September 25, with tickets costing £12 per car or £3.50 for an individual ticket. Anyone else will need to bring a chair or rug to sit on.

Gates open at 6pm and people are welcome to bring a picnic, though alcohol is strictly prohibited. Pop and popcorn will be on sale on the night.

Grease will start at 7pm, followed by an adults-only screening of An American Werewolf In London, which starts at 9pm.

The Lido was given a boost this year, with the addition of a waterslide paid for through the fundraising efforts of FOIL.

The group is also trying to raise enough money to completely refurbish the dilapidated pavilion and restore the pool to its 1930s glory.

The Lido, which was given Listed Building status last year, is the only one of its kind still left in West Yorkshire. Although the outdoor pool is now closed for the season, fundraising is still going on.