REELS were rolling at Inverclyde's local cinema as it celebrated a milestone birthday by welcoming over 1,000 customers through the door for free screenings.

The Waterfront Cinema marked 25 years in the area by giving away tickets to six showings to thank the community for their continued support.

The popular family attraction opened its doors on October 24 in 1996 and has become a firmly-established favourite with families and movie fans over the years.

They were delighted to see if pull through the cornavirus lockdown and the box office bookings are back with a bang after the success of new James Bond film No Time to Die.

David Shaw, who has been director at the cinema for 11 years, told the Tele said the ticket giveaway was a way to repay customers for their loyal support.

He said: "We wanted to do something to mark the occasion and thank the Inverclyde public for their support over the years.

"We'd also like to thank Inverclyde Council for their support in putting this event on.

"It's all because of the community we've been here for 25 years and we hope we'll be here for many more years to come."

Staff got in on the action by dressing to impress - wearing specially created t-shirts which sported names of films that also made their debut quarter a century ago.

The garments were fashioned by Carys Knox, marketing manager, who said: "It was great fun for staff to get involved in the celebrations and we made sure the cinema was decorated too.

"We had very positive feedback and had people of all ages attend.

"We're very lucky that we continue to have such great support from the Inverclyde community."