I READ with great sadness the news that the Regal Cinema in Port Street, Evesham, is to be offered up for sale. I try to go to the cinema there as much as possible and have done so for much of my life.

True - it isn't the most up to date cinema in the world - I heard Jaws is coming soon.

True - it's looking a bit frayed around the edges.

True - the sound quality makes me question my hearing.

True - some of the seats are a white-knuckle ride worthy of Alton Towers.

But, saying all that, I simply adore the place as it represents everything that going to see a film should be - personal, (there's a charm about the same member of staff selling you your ticket, popcorn and the tearing your stub!) friendly and above all, local.

It seems strange but the more run-down the cinema becomes, the more romantic it is . I'll remember I said that next time I sit in some chewing gum.

I've always wondered who owns the cinema and to be honest have marvelled at how it functions on such dwindling patronage, but this sort of dual-level cinema is a rarity nowadays and surely soon it'll be a heritage site!

It needs work, of that there is no doubt . I've tasted all kinds of paint from the bottom of my popcorn and if there was ever a effort to do up the place I'd volunteer like a shot.

I hope so much that if it is sold, that it will remain as a cinema so we can all still enjoy its undoubted charms - charms that are simply not found at the big 10-screen behemoths that chew us up and spit us out without us even touching the sides!

Anyway, I hope people start to support their local cinema. Once the dust is brushed off it's brilliant.

SIMON DAVIS, Avon Street, Evesham.