KEIGHLEY'S Picture House has received a cash boost as it battles to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

The cinema, in North Street, has been awarded £81,000 from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

Owner Charles Morris said the support was "very welcome and necessary".

But he warns that public backing will be needed to ensure the future of the premises.

"I very much welcome the support from the Culture Recovery Fund – and assistance from MP Robbie Moore in the early stages of the funding application," said Mr Morris. "There was an extremely arduous application process, which is only right as it's public money.

"West Yorkshire was subject to more periods of lockdown than other places and the Picture House was closed for over a year, barring one week in October last year.

"On our first reopening, the supply of films was a bit limited, but it has been getting better and the new James Bond film – No Time to Die – was a major attraction.

"However it seems that people are still reluctant to venture out and there are undoubtedly some who have got used to the idea of staying at home for their entertainment.

"The financial help is very welcome and necessary, but it won’t keep us going for ever and we do need the public’s support to ensure our future."

Several festive-themed events are coming up.

Christmas with Andre Rieu takes place on Saturday, December 4, at 7.45pm and the following day at 2pm.

A Christmas fair – in aid of the Born Free Wild Animal Rescue and Ramona’s Romanian Dog Rescue – is being held on Saturday, December 11, from 8.30am to 12.30pm. There will be stalls, competitions, raffles, tombolas, games and a visit from Santa, plus – at 9.30am – a screening of the classic Arthur Christmas.

On December 19, there is a showing of the Bolshoi Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker.

And there will be a screening of It’s A Wonderful Life on December 23 at 11am and on Christmas Eve at 5pm, with free mince pies.

Films showing on release include the new version of West Side Story from December 10 and Spider-Man: No Way Home from December 17.

Mr Moore welcomed the support for the Picture House.

"The past 18 months have had a devastating impact on our cultural and heritage organisations so this funding is fantastic news," he said.