The Kino cinema in Hawkhurst is among 202 independent movie houses across the country to receive help from the Government to get through the Covid crisis.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced a tranche of £16m of support, with £108,902 going to the Kino in Rye Road.

The cinemas to receive support were selected by the British Film Institute (BFI), on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The money is intended to help venues meet the costs of implementing Covid-secure measures to protect staff and audiences, and to help stabilise sites financially.

Speaking just before Christmas, Mr Dowden said: "The magic of film is such an important part of the festive period and this investment will help protect our independent cinemas so they're around for many Christmases to come.

"Alongside it, the extension of the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme means the UK will be producing even more great content as the cinema industry recovers, keeping us at the forefront of the creative industries.”

The Kino's managing director Matt Breckon said: "Kino is extremely grateful to the BFI and the Department For Culture Media and Sport for the sustainability grant award which will help it to weather the Covid-19 crisis and emerge once the public health situation improves and consumer confidence returns."

Mr Breckon said: "Kino reopened all three of its venues - Kino Hawkhurst (in Kent), Kino Rye (in East Sussex) and Kino Bermondsey (in London) - in September after more than five months of closure, ensuring that they were Covid secure and putting an even greater emphasis on the level of customer service to reassure people, make them feel safe and ensure that they felt as relaxed and comfortable as possible during their visit.

"Indeed Kino received high praise from customers regarding the measures put in place."

Mr Breckon said: "Due to the tier restrictions and uncertainty following the second national lockdown, Kino decided not to reopen before the Christmas and New Year holidays, but as soon as it can, Kino will be back!"

The cinema, which includes a cafe, was constructed inside the Victoria Hall, owned by Hawkhurst Parish Council, but leased to the Kino since 2005.

The company's other two cinemas also received grants of £108,902 each.

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