THRILL-SEEKING Cinema goers flocked to the flicks on Friday to be among the first to see the new James Bond film.

Skyfall was showing at Vue, in Blackburn, and Apollo, in Burnley, for the first time, and bosses at both cinemas reported packed houses.

They were not the first East Lancashire people to see the film though, with war hero Sgt Rick Clement, from the Ribble Valley, attending the premiere in London, and meeting stars on the red carpet.

Sgt Clement, who had his legs blown off and his arm severely mutilated in Afghanistan in 2010, also met popstar Tulisa and boyband JLS at the premiere.

A spokesman for Vue Cinemas, which also owns the Apollo cinema, in Burnley, said: “Skyfall is one of the biggest film releases of the year and judging from the feedback so far, it’s looking like its going to be one of the most successful.

“The reviews of those lucky enough to have seen it already are all glowing and say its one of the best James Bond films yet, so we are preparing ourselves, and looking forward to a very busy opening weekend.”

Skyfall is the 23rd in the spy film James Bond series.

It features Daniel Craig's third performance as Bond, and is directed by Sam Mendes.

The film’s release will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the series, which began with Dr. No in 1962. In Blackburn, fans at the cinema’s first screening gave rave reviews.

The Vue Cinema was packed with fans at 10am, eager to see the highly-acclaimed movie.

What you thought of Skyfall

ANITA Crompton, 51, came to the Vue Cinema, in Blackburn, from Whalley, with her friend Val Scott, and thought it was ‘fantastic’.

Mrs Crompton said: “It was more than I expected it to be.

“It has to be one of the best Bond movies.”

Peter Jowett, 72, from Darwen, had watched the previous Bond movies on Sky with his grandson, who he brought to the cinema.

He said: “I’m not particularly a James Bond fan – it’s my grandson who is.
“But I thought it was excellent.”

Some fans had positive feedback of Javier Bardem, who plays villain Raoul Silva.

Lesley Doyle, 49, from Great Harwood, came with husband Chris.

As Bond enthusiasts, they thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, and the action-packed scenes.

“The baddie was the best character, he was really fiendish,” said Mrs Doyle.

“I really enjoyed it. I’m a big fan.”