The curtain has come down on a city's last remaining cinema, despite a long-running campaign to save it.

The Robins cinema in Durham will close on Saturday with the loss of more than 20 jobs.

The closure follows a decision by council bosses to allow an Australian theme bar on the site of the 700-seater cinema.

Campaigners say the move will mean long trips to Sunderland, Gateshead or Newcastle for those wanting to see mainstream films.

Door policy

The application to turn the cinema, in Durham's North Road, into a Walkabout bar, was originally turned down over fears about trouble at weekends.

But a hearing decided to reverse the decision after the company behind the plan, Regent Inns Ltd, said it would operate a strict door policy and use CCTV cameras to deter would-be trouble makers.

More than 2,000 people signed a petition urging council chiefs to retain the cinema after plans for a multiplex in the nearby Walkergate shopping centre fell through.

'Much needed'

Cinema manager Brenda Ryder said it was "a sad day" for staff who were now facing redundancy.

Roger Cornwell from the Durham City Trust, said the cinema was a much-needed facility.

He added: "I would have liked to see it continue as a cinema.

"We must remember this is a residential area, this is only a small city, and people live very close by."

The bar application was also opposed by Durham Police.