IT is exactly a year since Reel Cinemas opened its five-screen multiplex at the £10 million Hive leisure park on Widnes Waterfront.

To celebrate, the company is hosting a birthday weekend of special events from October 12-14.

Independent operator Kailash Suri, aged 56, managing director of The Reel Group, pledged to provide a familiy venue, with something for everyone.

Reel is the first cinema chain in in the UK to be fully digital and plans to introduce a 3D sound system.

The cinema employs 20 people, led by manager Christine McCaffer.

Operations manager Muhammad Faisal said the cinema has attracted more than 100,000 visitors and hopes to double this figure next year.

He said: “At the moment, we have the perfect clientele for every single show we put on.

“Our Saturday and Sunday kids club has done very well.

“Our OAP club lets pensioners watch any film on Tuesdays and receive a complimentary hot drink.

“Families come in during the day and early evening and adults in the evening.

“We like to be part of the local community.”

Reel has sponsored Widnes Vikings and worked with local schools and Halton Council.

Mr Faisal said: “We have been organising events with schools. They produce work as part of their curriculum. It gives them exposure to the experience of cinema and the big screen.

“In the near future, we are looking to bring in a 3D sound system.

“We are continuing to invest in new technology.

“We are looking forward to the future. We believe the opening of the ice rink will attract more visitors to the leisure park which will be good for all businesses.”

To celebrate Reel’s first birthday, The World is giving away 10 pairs of tickets to see any film.

To enter, tell us the name of a film that was shown on Reel’s opening day.

Send your answers, with your name, address and daytime tel no, to: Runcorn and Widnes World, 138 Bridge Street, Warrington WA1 2RU, by October 17.