A much-loved independent cinema and theatre is celebrating its 110th anniversary.

The Connaught in Worthing opened on July 29, 1914, as The Picturedrome and was the town's first purpose-built cinema.

Now, having survived two World Wars and more than a century of showing films to the people of Worthing, the cinema's bosses say they want to embrace the future by finding new films to show and working with filmmakers to continue "creating experiences and memories".

James Tully, the programmer at the Connaught, said: "I'm very aware that it has been here long before me and it will be here long after.

"I'm merely a custodian using the Connaught to entertain and educate Worthing cinema-goers. And I absolutely love my job.

"We always have one eye on respecting the heritage of the building and cinema as an art form while also keeping the other eye firmly on the future. Finding new films from festivals, engaging with local filmmakers and ultimately creating experiences and memories at the cinema.

"Cinema is enduring a somewhat turbulent time right now. Back-to-back crises have affected audience behaviour and the way films are released."

The Connaught was opened by the mayor and mayoress of the time, initially taking £38, two shillings and nine pence, equivalent to around £2,250 in modern money.

The Picturedome was converted into a theatre in the 1930s and was renamed the New Connaught Theatre after adding The Connaught Hall in 1916.

To celebrate its anniversary, the cinema will screen a number of "classic and beloved" films throughout the end of July and beginning of August.

These include The Matrix, Blade Runner, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Gone With The Wind.

The cinema will also host a behind-the-scenes open morning on Sunday, August 4, as well as a birthday quiz on August 30.