IT will be lights, camera and action for movie fans across Wyre Forest when the district's first cinema in 23 years opens.

A cinema is set to open in Kidderminster on Friday, March 25 after councillors gave the scheme the thumbs-up.

It follows years of wrangling over plans for a new cinema, which some people feared would take "from here to eternity".

Plans for the four-screen complex in Green Street were approved by district councillors this week.

Members of Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee supported the plan, which will open at the former Blunts shoe warehouse, opposite B&Q.

The cinema - which the developer said would show the latest Hollywood blockbusters - will incorporate four screens with 107, 65, 100 and 28 seats, respectively.

It will be the first time Kidderminster has had a cinema since 1982.

Town solicitor, Simon Swaffield, is behind the scheme. He said: "The support at the council meeting was tremendously encouraging and, hopefully, the support will be vindicated."

The aim was a March 25 opening, he added.

Committee members praised the plan. Councillor John Simmonds said members had to "grasp this opportunity with open arms."

The council's conservation officer said the scheme was unsuitable for a grade two listed building, while B&Q said it would cause the store parking problems.

However, the council's case officer recommended approval.