THE first screening from a new community cinema in Helensburgh is set to take place later this month.

Stopgap CIC are inviting people to come and see summer blockbuster Twisters 2024 in Annexe 1 in the Helensburgh Civic Centre on Thursday, November 21 at 2.30pm.

In September, we reported that film enthusiast Richard Fairman founded StopGap CIC earlier this year after the town's only cinema had to close temporarily.

It is hoped a community buyout will secure the future of the Tower Digital Arts Centre, with a ‘Save the Tower’ campaign successfully getting past the first stage of its application to the Scottish Land Fund and working towards the second stage.

However, the 75-year-old from Garelochhead felt that six months without a cinema in Helensburgh was long enough for the community and wanted to step in to help in his own way.

READ MORE: 'Let's keep cinema alive': Film enthusiast sets up new initiative in Helensburgh

And for the last two months Richard and his team of volunteers have been working hard behind the scenes - which included a venue change - to bring the first screening to Helensburgh as soon as possible.

Richard Fairman set up Stopgap CIC in June this year Richard Fairman set up Stopgap CIC in June this year (Image: Newsquest) Richard said: "This venue has been chosen in response to community feedback requesting disabled access.

"This is the first film of a varied schedule planned for 2024/25. Keeping cinema alive is so important on many levels from mental health, mitigating loneliness and and group social dynamics. 

"Future plans include offering private viewings to local charities who will be able to choose their own films and hopefully outreaching to offer screenings in care homes."

Proposed films for the new schedule include The Critic and Its a Wonderful Life.

Tickets costs £10 per person or £8.50 per concession and refreshments will be available in the Civic Centre until 2.30pm.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit ticketebo.co.uk.