A SCHEME to develop a community cinema in Bradford has been given a £10,000 boost from the Big Lottery Fund.

The Mechanics Institute in Eccleshill, the former site of the Eccleshill Picture House which opened in 1911, has used the Big Lottery cash to buy its own projector, screen and sound system to allow it to screen films and host film events on a regular events. This follows a successful pilot scheme.

Bradford UNESCO City of Film has been working in partnership with staff at Eccleshill to offer advice on film licenses and the loan of film equipment.

Michael Kenefick, manager of Eccleshill Community Association (Mechanics Institute), said: "We are delighted with the award from the Big Lottery and the ongoing partnership with Bradford UNESCO City of Film.

"Using the new equipment, we plan to develop regular monthly film screenings and work with a number of volunteers of securing some varied and interesting titles and where possible, some guest speakers."