Dover’s Silver Screen Cinema is thought to be the last in the country to receive a digital upgrade.

The premises, in the Market Square, will reopen its doors to the public this Saturday after the installation of new projection and sound systems. The makeover has also included new carpets and chairs.

The single screen complex had previously been running with a 35mm film projector, but faced closure as distributors move to all digital formats.

This was after mainstream movie distributors announced earlier this year that all films will now need to be shown via digital cinema packages.

Now the movie theatre has been given a new lease of life, due to joint funding from the town and district council.

The digital equipment means it will be able to continue to show the latest blockbusters, while developing new community audiences for the future.

Cllr Pam Brivio, Mayor of Dover, added: “We hope to see greater community involvement in growing our cinema with this new equipment and would love to hear from anyone interested in getting involved!”

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC cabinet member for access and property management said: “We were very pleased to work with Dover Town Council and the Silver Screen Cinema to invest in facilities at this great town centre location.

“The new-look cinema will provide a valuable asset for our local communities, and complement facilities at the multiplex that is part of the comprehensive St James’s redevelopment.”

Sandy Wallace, operator of the Silver Screen Cinema in Dover, said: “The new digital equipment will enable the Silver Screen to show the latest general release films, and develop local audiences for community interest films, which could include films like the historic Ray Warner archive.”