BOURNEMOUTH'S independent Colosseum Cinema, billed as the smallest movie theatre in the UK, has been awarded a grant from the Government's Culture Recovery Fund.

The cinema, situated downstairs at The Vintage Lounge, Westbourne Arcade, is currently closed due to the pandemic.

It only has 19 seats, and its size is reflected in the amount of grant received from the fund – just £675.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “As a Star Wars fan, I know there’s no better place to experience great films than in your local cinema and these grants will provide vital support for independent venues through Christmas and beyond.

“Our Restart Scheme has already helped to get nearly 100 film and TV productions back up and running as part of our Plan for Jobs, and it’s right that we extend this to support even more jobs in the UK’s creative industries, including for the over 70s.”