THE excitement of the big screen is coming to halls and centres around Chester-le-Street over the half-term break.

The Mobile Cinema has brought leading films to youngsters in the town and surrounding villages for the last three years.

The project is run by the Chester-le-Street Area Action Partnership (AAP), whose priorities include increasing entertainment for children.

Next week Madagascar 3 will be touring the district.

An AAP spokesman said: “We now have a portable projector and cinema screen which tours community venues giving young people and their families around Chester-le-Street the opportunity to see a movie on the big screen at a venue near them, at an affordable price."

This initially started as a pilot programme with 12 screenings in six venues around Chester-le-Street, but has proved very successful and has been rolled out with further screenings and new venues introduced.

“Before deciding which films to screen, questionnaires are distributed to a number of community venues to get information from families and young people on the films they would like to see," said the spokesperson.

“We will continue speaking to audiences at each show to get feedback on what films should be screened at future shows.”

Screening times and locations:

Tomorrow, Saturday February 16, 1pm , Pelton Community Centre.

Monday, February 18, 10am, Fulforth Centre, Sacriston and 2pm, Lumley Community Centre. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2pm, Edmondsley Parish Memorial Hall.

Wednesday, February 20, 10am, Ouston Community Centre and 1.30pm, Cornerstones Community Centre, Chester-le-Street Methodist Church.

Thursday, February 21, 2pm, Brockwell Centre, Pelton Fell.

Saturday, February 23, 10am, Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Road and 2pm, Bullion Hall, Chester-le-Street.

Tickets cost £1 on the door and refreshments are available.