AMBITIOUS plans for a state-of-the-art cinema in Newquay have taken a giant leap forwards, after town council chiefs gave the project their support.

The town council's planning committee gave the scheme its backing at a meeting on Monday, which could now see the town's first cinema since the closing of the Camelot in 1995.

"We're delighted that Newquay town council has given their approval," said WTW Cinemas managing director David Williams.

"We now have to wait for the decision from Cornwall Council."

If WTW Cinemas' plans receive final approval by Cornwall Council, the state-of-the-art four-screen cinema will be built on the site of the former Vic Bars building, off Crantock Street.

Mr Williams added: "This has got to be good for Newquay and the people who visit in poor weather; I think it will do Newquay a lot of good.

"Since the cinema closed in 1995 it's been badly missed; I think that people visiting Newquay have an air of disbelief that the town doesn't have a cinema."

The plans will finally be revealed to the public next week at a special exhibition, on Wednesday, May 27.

Residents will be given a chance to have their say on the plans between 10am and 4pm at the town's tourist information centre, on Marcus Hill.

Newquay residents will see first hand whether WTW Cinemas have managed to create something more modern than the well-received St Austell cinema which opened in December.

The 600-seat four-screen cinema will have a grand entrance on Crantock Street with two screens on the bottom floor and another two on the first floor. Exciting ideas of adapting one of the screens to cater for small-scale theatre productions have also been floated.

Earlier in the year, bosses wouldn't reveal exactly what quirky features the Newquay cinema could include, but have ruled out waiter-service or food and drinks to screens and say a bar will be unlikely.

The complex will take a year to build once it is given planning permission and the old building is demolished.

"We'd encourage as many people as possible to come and have a look at what will be on offer," added Mr Williams. We'd love people to come along and see for themselves."