The Sherborne Cinema in Gloucester has been awarded almost £9,000 as part of a support package from the British Film Institute.

The former Mission Room and Christadelphian Hall in Sherborne Street, Kingsholm, has been given £8,940 as part of the Government's Culture Recovery Fund.

Owner Mark Cunningham said the money would be used to improve the ventilation system, online bookings and cleaning ahead of a planned re-opening at the start of December.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, who represents Kingsholm and Wotton on Gloucester City Council, said the cinema was at the head of the area.

He said: "It's a lovely place to watch a film on the big screen. Many Kingsholm residents are regular customers.

"I am delighted the Sherborne Cinema has received a grant from the Government. It's been a small independent cinemas.

"The grant will help this wonderful cinema financially and allow it to continue to show the latest films."

In all, 42 cinemas are sharing more than £650,000 allocated by the BFI on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "We all enjoyed the escapism of a good film during lockdown, but nothing beats the experience of the big screen.

"This first wave of emergency funding will help dozens of independent cinemas around the country, preserving their unique character and history for future generations.

"Our Film and TV Restart Scheme will keep cameras rolling on British-made film and TV, protecting jobs, boosting this hugely important industry and giving us more great content to enjoy."