WAREHAM Lions Club has donated £1,000 to the town’s Rex Cinema.

It donated £500 themselves and an additional £500 via the Owen Randall Trust, which the Lions distribute.

Purbeck Film Charitable Trust director and chairman of the Rex Cinema committee, David Evans, thanked the Lions at a special reception evening held at the Wareham venue.

Mr Evans said: “It is thanks to the generosity of all our friends, colleagues and supporters that we are able to continue to improve facilities for the community.

“We are overwhelmed by their kindness and hope to be able to show films at the Rex for many, many years to come.”

The Rex is continuing its fundraising in order to refurbish the auditorium of the cinema.

Since the charitable trust took over in spring 2009, funds have been granted, raised and donated for a digital projector, a new screen and digital surround sound, a new box office system and replacement central heating system.

A special plaque has been erected in the cinema foyer in recognition of the Lions support.