HARRY POTTER will cast his magic over film buffs when his latest adventure becomes the first movie shown at Blackburn's new multiplex.

Bosses at Vue, the Cinema chain behind the 10-screen complex behind Blackburn Railway Station, have confirmed they will tie their opening in with the launch of 'Harry Potter and Goblet of Fire' on November 18.

In the latest film adaptation of JK Rowling's books, Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, finds himself selected as an underaged competitor in a dangerous multi-wizardry school competition.

Around 40 jobs have been created at the cinema, which will also become the first cinema in East Lancashire to regularly show Bollywood films.

General Manager of Vue Blackburn, Karen Hoskinson said: "We are delighted that we will be able to open in time for the new Harry Potter film.

"We are also delighted to be able to hire local people as we believe the cinema is and should be at the heart of the community it serves.

"My new team are very excited and thrilled to be working for Vue. The company has built a wonderful cinema for the people of Blackburn who we now look forward to welcoming and serving for many years to come."

The cinema is part of a £30million complex built by Peel Holdings, the development company owned by Rossendale man John Whittaker.

Warner Brothers Cinemas had originally been lined up to run the cinema, but they were later bought out by Vue, which now runs 49 sites across the UK.

The new leisure complex also includes a 24-lane bowling alley, to be run by southern firm Bowlplex.

The 25,000 sq ft building will open on November 20, and £2.7million has been spent by the company on its 14th site.

Around 40 jobs have been created within Bowlplex.

General manager Phil Morris said: "The site is progressing at an extraordinary rate and the 24 bowling lanes have now been installed.

"The main structures inside the building are near completion and we then just have the finishing touches to complete before opening in November.

"Staff training is already under way for the 40 new positions created by the opening of Bowlplex, and with just six weeks to go, progression of the new centre is on track to give the people of Blackburn a new experience in entertainment."