AS WTW Cinemas prepare to open a new film centre in Newquay, Richard Whitehouse gets a close-up on how the cinema industry is flourishing in Cornwall.

In recent years cinema has taken huge leaps in technology, from digital projection to full 3-D films. But despite these advances a film harking back to a more traditional age has been pulling in crowds of all ages into Cornish cinemas. The King's Speech.

And it is the audience reaction to the Oscar-winning British movie that delights David Williams, managing director of WTW Cinemas.

"We have had people coming out of the screens with tears in their eyes because they have been so moved by it. I love it when an audience reacts to a film like that. That, for me, is what cinema is about."

He adds: "The King's Speech this year has been absolutely fantastic – that came as a surprise, it has come from nowhere.

"While you have your normal blockbusters, your Harry Potters, your Pirates Of The Caribbean, you don't expect to see The King's Speech in that bracket, but it has turned out to equal those and has picked up Oscars and Baftas.

"I don't think I have seen anyone have a negative reaction to it. It's been very well received. We have had people coming to see it who haven't been to the cinema for years and hopefully it will encourage them to come back again.

"It shows that it's worth putting investment into films like that – a good British film with British characters. That has been a major boost for us – at a quiet time of year to have a film like that has been very good."

At a time when many entertainment industries have seen income fall, as people cut back on leisure spending due to the recession, Mr Williams says that last year cinemas had their third best attendance figures for the past 25 years.

This continued success has helped companies like WTW Cinemas invest in their cinemas and even expand.

The company opened its newest cinema in St Austell just over two years ago and is now gearing up for the launch of its new cinema in Newquay – a town which has not had the silver screen since 1995.

It is a sign that the firm is enjoying success and for Mr Williams this is due not only because of the quality of films being produced but also in the service the company offers.

A few weeks ago White River Cinema in St Austell was named independent cinema of the year in the RAAM awards – an industry-led national scheme.

"The award was the icing on the cake as far as St Austell was concerned, it was a long battle to get the cinema there and the attendance levels have been very encouraging.

"To get the accolade of the best independent cinema in the UK was a great boost, not just for us but for the whole of St Austell as well. We were glad to be shortlisted, we didn't expect to win."