A midnight screening of The Batman will mark the opening of a long-awaited upgrade to a town's multiplex cinema.

The latest big-screen interpretation of the DC Comics superhero story opens in movie theatres tomorrow, and fans of the franchise can experience the film on the immersive ScreenX at Cineworld in Ashford at one minute after midnight.

It marks the completion of the first stage of a significant refurbishment at the cinema on the Eureka Leisure Park.

The ScreenX wraparound screen expands the traditional cinema screen to the side walls of the auditorium, creating a 270-degree viewing experience for the audience.

Elsewhere on site there will be a new Starbucks outlet as well as IMAX and 4DX screens in a new extension, although there is not yet a confirmed opening date for this final stage of the project.

Gary Cork, general manager of the cinema, said: "We are delighted to be re-launching Cineworld Ashford, fully refurbished with upgraded screens and new special format installations like no other.

"I've been lucky enough to try Cineworld's ScreenX technology already and it is utterly mesmerizing.

"We can't wait for customers to experience our newly transformed cinema with all of the fabulous new ways to experience a film."

Work on the extension which will house the IMAX and 4DX screens began in March 2020, five years after the plans were approved, but Covid lockdowns delayed the construction.

When complete, the 4DX technology will offer a rollercoaster-like experience where seats shake and water is sprayed on film-goers, while IMAX will feature a larger-than-average screen and steep stadium-style seating.

Refurbishment of the foyer was completed last autumn in time for the much-delayed James Bond film No Time To Die and saw the removal of a huge mirrored ceiling.