CHATHAM’S new nine-screen Odeon cinema at Dickens World opens its doors to film buffs tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.

Movie fans will be able to enjoy comfortable seating, Dolby digital sound and refreshments at the cinema next to the Dickens World development.

An infrared looping system and subtitling facility will be in place for the hard of hearing and there will also be wheelchair access to all screens.

Fifty members of staff have been recruited to work at the leisure complex which will be served by regular bus services from Chatham and a 650-space multi-storey car park.

Among the team is 23-year-old Thomas Bachelor, who was selected from more than 500 applicants to give customers recommendations on the latest movies showing at the cinema.

The cinema forms part the £62 million Dickens World visitor complex. The tourist attraction is designed to help people experience Dickensian life.

The complex will include popular family restaurants Nando’s and Pizza Express and is due to open in Easter next year.