Keswick Alhambra is to close while the auditorium is repainted and the ceiling is repaired.

The work will be carried out between June 12 to July 2 and is expected to cost around £15,000.

Carol Rennie, from the cinema, said: "We are forgoing income to spruce up and future-proof the Alhambra for our community and for Keswick's many visitors.

"We are going to have the ceiling repaired and repaint the auditorium in its original heritage colour in June this year, which is going to cost over our budget of £15,000.

"We also have an estimate of £9,000 for restoration of the original cast iron radiators and metal panelling around the building, which are currently buried under a century's worth of paint.

"Of course it makes sense to do that at the same time, while the cinema is shut, but we can't afford it to do it all."

Since buying the building in 2016 they have already carried out an external paint job, fitted a new roof, commissioned new plasterwork in the balcony and installed a stairwell.

They are hoping to raise money through crowdfunding to carry out the work to the auditorium and ceiling and to restore some of the original features hidden around the building, such as exposing the original burnished-gold decor.

Carol said: "If we raise enough, besides stripping them back to their original burnished gold beauty, we'll also be able to invest in new lighting to highlight the gleaming revamped interior."

The Alhambra was established in 1913 and is one of very few UK picture houses to have remained in continuous operation for over 100 years, with many original features and fittings still intact.

"We are completely independent, family-owned and operated, and run on a shoestring but with much love", Carol added.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the Keswick Alhambra can visit their crowdfunding page at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/keswick-alhambra-restore-the-glory or email them at alhamracinema@gmail.com or call them on 017687 72195.