A GROUP campaigning to save a historic Ringwood cinema and theatre have appealed for help to become an officially-registered charity in order to raise funds.

The Ringwood Regal action group, set up by residents Mike Tuck and John Challenor, wants to prevent the building at Market Place making way for a new development of shops.

Mr Tuck, the group's acting chairman and secretary, said the group had formed a committee of volunteers and launched a new website and Facebook group.

It is now looking for new members to join the campaign and draw up a feasibility study to establish the potential future of the site.

The cinema has survived previous attempts to demolish it in recent years but Development Securities Ltd has unveiled plans - Furlong Phase Two - that aim to transform the nearby Furlong shopping centre into the Forest's retail hub.

The plans, which have yet to be submitted to New Forest District Council, suggest retaining the facade of the Regal but demolishing the auditorium behind to replace it with shops linked to Market Place.

If granted, works could start later this year.

Mr Tuck said: "While the overall idea of linking the Furlong shopping centre to the Market Place is good, the current plan involves the complete demolition of the cinema/theatre building, retaining only the ancient town hall facade.

"The Ringwood Regal campaign aims to rescue the whole building and turn it into a multi-functional facility, revitalising the Market Place and town centre."

Originally a market site, dating back to 1734, the Regal building became the Corn Exchange and Town Hall in 1868, and has had numerous uses over the years, from a cinema and theatre to a shopping arcade, bingo hall, restaurant, nightclub and squash club.

As a cinema and venue for live bands, in its heyday the building welcomed Status Quo, The Troggs and Amen Corner.

Following a takeover in 2002 the building has remained empty and left to deteriorate by its various owners, with no improvements other than those required for safety reasons.

For more details about how to join the group visit ringwood-regal.co.uk.