The cinema will seat 100 people

Plans for three three multiplex proposals have not materialised and building work has still to start on a fourth.

But the Grindon Community Cinema is confident that it will open in two months time and will be able to show the latest films at a cut-price.

The cinema was the idea of community policeman Steve Sheard.

It is part of his job description to provide diversionary activities to keep down crime and anti social behaviour.

He said they hope to offer tickets at the 100 seat cinema at half the price of a normal cinema ticket.

New releases

Mr Sheard told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I have got to look at crime and disorder and part of that is to look at diversionary activities in the area and this is one project."

"It has been few months in the planning since the initial idea. and hopefully it will open within the next couple of months.

Mr Sheard said he came up with the idea during a family holiday in Devon where he saw a community cinema up and running.

He said he hoped they would be able to bring brand new film releases to the cinema.

Ann Cave, community cinema chairperson, said: "There has to be somewhere for the kids to go, other than the street corners.

"I'd rather they were somewhere secure than out and about."