Sherborne Cinema will put the money towards installing a new ventilation system, an automated ticketing system and an anti-Covid fogger

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An independent Gloucester cinema has received a much-needed cash injection.

Sherborne Cinema in Gloucester has been given the Government grant along with 42 cinemas across the country.

As part of Government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund, The BFI (British Film Institution) has awarded £650,000 to cinemas across the country.

The Sherborne Street venue in Kingsholm will get £8,940.

Owner Mark Cunningham, 61, said: "We are very relieved. We have been working on the applications for six weeks or so since it [the fund] was announced and the BFI have been very helpful and have helped to guide us through the process.

"This is a safety grant and it will help us to install and improve our ventilation system, that's the main thing.

"Also to get get a more automated ticketing system so people can book online because obviously with reduction to seating capacity due to Covid, people were previously able to turn up when we had 140 seats but when we have about 40 seats, people are going to want to have more access to book online.

"The other bit is the fogging machine which sprays a rather powerful anti-Covid disinfectant around and you literally cover everything."

Mr Cunningham says he is aiming to reopen the cinema sometime after December 1.

Gloucster City Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said: "The Sherborne Cinema is in the heart of Kingsholm. It's a lovely place to watch a film on the big screen.

"Many Kingsholm residents are regular customers.

"I am delighted that the Sherborne Cinema has received a grant from the government. It has been a hard time for small independent cinemas due to the Covid-19 pandemic."

While announcing the awarded grants Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “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."

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Cinemas are able to apply for Safety Grants to help independent venues meet the additional costs of creating a safe and Covid-secure environment for staff and audiences, as well as Business Sustainability grants of up to £200,000 to help stabilise venues as they reopen.

The £30million fund will remain open for applications until October 30.