The Astoria cinema used to be one of the grandest in Brighton, with its own bar and long runs of top films. Sadly it went the way of many other cinemas.

It closed years ago and looked destined to be demolished after attempts to convert it into a students' bar failed to win licensing approval.

But, in an inspired move, local enthusiasts got it listed and prevented its demolition.

Now Brighton and Hove City Council has sold the Astoria to the local Yes No consortium which intends to spend millions on it.

Soon the old cinema will not only be showing films once again, but will also provide a fine auditorium in a city desperately short of them.