BOSSES of Newquay's new Lighthouse Cinema are appealing for former employees of the town's past picture houses to help them with the grand opening this spring.

The request comes exactly 100 years after Newquay's first cinema, the Picture Palace, opened to awestruck residents in 1911.

WTW Cinemas, which will run the four-screen complex off Central Square, is busy making arrangements for the launch celebrations.

Now the company says it wants to hear from local people who have memories, photographs or stories about Newquay's previous cinemas.

Mark Williams from WTW Cinemas said: "The Lighthouse will be the first cinema to open in Newquay for more than 16 years, but of course there will be many people who remember the old cinemas like the Victoria, Astor, Camelot and the Pavilion before it.

"We would love to hear from people, both locally and across the whole of the South West, who might have special stories, information and moving or still pictures of Newquay's cinemas past. We'd urge them to get in touch and share them with us."

Blockbuster

The company says it expects the 650-seat Lighthouse Cinema to open for business in late spring, ahead of the lucrative summer blockbuster season.

The Cornish Guardian reported earlier this month that it would create 25 new jobs in the town, which are now being advertised.

Cinema chiefs chose the name Lighthouse after being inspired by the panoramic view from the top floor of the building across Newquay Bay to Trevose Lighthouse.

Mr Williams said that he expected the role of cinema general manager to be filled before the end of the month, after which company bosses would turn their attention to employing people to fill the other posts.

"We're delighted to be creating employment opportunities in Newquay through this project, particularly during a difficult time of recession and job cuts across the county," he said.

Anyone with specific memories, photographs or stories which might help with the campaign is asked to contact Natalie Blachford on 01208 77900 or via www.wtwcinemas.co.uk

WTW Cinemas owns and runs the Plaza in Truro, the Regal in Wadebridge and the White River Cinema in St Austell, which has just won the RAAM 'Best Independent Cinema in the UK' award.

The Lighthouse is the second phase of the company's development plan, which included the construction and opening of the White River Cinema in December 2008. The third stage will be the refit of the Plaza in 2012.