A discount for under-25s at a new Kent cinema has left older movie fans frustrated and sparked claims of "age discrimination".

The Curzon in Canterbury is offering the tickets for just £5 - close to 40% off the normal off-peak price.

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One city resident voiced her frustration about the promotion after receiving a leaflet through her door.

Susan Demir shared the flyer on Facebook, adding: "Just got this through the post. I don’t understand why I should pay £3.00 more because I am over 25?

"How can Curzon do this. I thought this cinema was meant for everyone?"

The five-screen Curzon, which opened at the £115 million Riverside complex in August, has already faced claims it is not inclusive after a couple in their 60s were told they could not pay with cash.

And its discount scheme has now sparked fresh claims the venue, which operates on a council-owned site, is geared more towards students than Canterbury's permanent residents.

The flyer advertises off-peak cinema tickets for £8 between Monday and Thursday - but under-25s can get them for £5 each.

The promotion has divided opinion, with some people branding it "ageist and unfair", and others saying the offer makes commercial sense.

Roy Williams posted simply: "Age discrimination."

Carl Smith also blasted the cinema and told how he is "so sick to the back teeth of bailing everyone else out".

"I get no discounts anywhere, no help with the cost of living from the government," he said.

"I don’t have kids so there are no free meals in supermarkets and there’s loads like me who are bumping along the bottom with less income than many on benefits and students.

"[I'm] sick of it. I’ve emailed the Curzon and I’m never going there until they change this ageist and unfair rule."

A further comment by Martin Tappenden added: "Typical Canterbury. Student city. No deals for those born and bred here."

Others have leapt to the cinema's defence, highlighting the age of customers they say are most likely to visit during off-peak times.

Nathan Burchell wrote: "Can we note it says 'Monday to Thursday'.

"It’s a marketing scheme and usually on these days you all will be at work or too tired from work to be going to the cinema, so it is an off-peak day.

"Students who are mostly under 25s - due to the timings of lectures - won’t have jobs that partake during those days [as they] mainly work at weekends or late evenings.

"So this is to make up some money from students who can come in on those days whilst every one else is at work.

"It’s not ageist, it’s marketing. Grow up."

Amber Daly also defended the cinema, saying: "You wouldn't be complaining if it was an over 25 discount.

"Typically, people over the age of 25 have a much higher income than those below 25 - many of which are students or working minimum wage jobs due to experience.

"So it makes sense financially for those earning less to get a discount.

"And before you start, I understand people are on benefits for multiple reasons. That is down to each business to work that out.

"But don't get angry that low income students are getting deals just because you can't get them - seems bitter."

Helen Jolene posted: "They’re just trying too get bums on seats. I'm not sure what the big deal is.

"I don’t complain that pensioners get a bus pass or cheap tickets for things."

The full opening of the Riverside complex has faced a series of delays since construction work began on the old Serco depot site in 2019.

Alongside the commercial element of the project, the site will also host 189 new homes, 220 undercroft parking spaces, and student accommodation providing 493 bedrooms, which has already been completed.

A new "high class" Asian fusion restaurant will be allowed to stay open until the early hours, despite concerns from neighbours.

Sekkoya has been given the go-ahead to serve food and alcohol until 2am every night of the week, except Sundays.

Plans for a Boom Battle Bar offering bowling, axe-throwing and table tennis in one of the 13 units have also been revealed, as well as Fireaway Pizza and Korean Cowgirl restaurants and a Brewdog bar.

The Curzon has been contacted for a comment.