WAREHAM'S Rex Cinema might end up in the hands of a new set of movie lovers under plans by the Purbeck Film Festival Charitable Trust.

The historic cinema, which has been operating since 1922, has been run for the past 20 years by a group of dedicated volunteers.

But their dwindling numbers led them to announce in August they were selling up - but with a covenant in place to ensure the premises continue to operate as a cinema.

Now fellow film lovers from the festival have stepped in, and declared themselves to be among the interested parties - revealing plans to "ensure its survival" as a not-for- profit operation working with volunteers and the community.

David Evans, director of the Purbeck Film Festival Charitable Trust, said: "Our concern is that a commercial cinema is not viable in a small market town, but we want to see its survival.

"The Rex is an essential part of the cultural life of our district."

With offers being invited in excess of £273,00 for the premises, the festival trust had a bid in for a £150,000 grant from Viridor, through the Landfill Communities Fund.

It has been given £5,000 by Wareham Town Council and has approached Purbeck District Council for funding, but will still need to raise £115,000 from private donations.

Mr Evans added: "We've built up a good track record. Obviously we have charitable status and are not for profit.

"We want to take this forward and with our passion for film we are obvious contenders.

"We want to work very much with the community - a collaborative effort between ourselves and the people who have worked so hard to keep the Rex going over the years."

Alyn Saunders, of commercial and business agentcy Ellis and Partners who are dealing with the sale, said there had been other viewings, but no offers so far.

Once an offer was accepted the sale would probably take a few months to complete, Mr Saunders added.

  • The Five and Dime Café housed in the building is a separate enterprise and will not form part of the sale. It remains open for business.