FILM fans will crowd round a 100 inch screen as a free film festival exploring vital environmental issues comes to Hyndburn.

Environmental charity The Prospects Foundation has invested in the screen, surround sound, and a new project to enthrall visitors at its Accrington base, with 12 films to be shown over the next two months.

Activity organiser Barbara Sharples said: “All the films have an environmental theme and most appear on the top 10 environmental films list or have been nominated for best documentary Academy Awards.

“Many of the films feature celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons and English broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.

“The themes covered in the films are climate change, energy and fuel production such as fracking, the devastating effects of the globalised economy, the environmental impact of humans, the global waste problem, where are food comes from and food production techniques, endangered species, mercury poisoning in fish, hunting practices and a life without bees.”

The foundation has also started a film club, and members will be given free tickets to exclusive events, advance notice of films, and priority booking.

The 12 films are being shown weekly with matinee and evening performances, but they cannot be publicised to members outside the film club by the foundation due to the terms of its licence. Barbara added: “The Prospects Environment Centre is quite small so we are able to show films to small groups in a friendly and comfortable setting.

“Thanks to the funding, from the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards For All, we can supply refreshments and there is no charge for attending one or more of the films on offer.

“This is Prospect’s first film festival and we are currently looking at more films to show in the new year.”

The overall grant from the National Lottery for a number of activities at Prospects was £8,685, with the film festival proportion £960.

To attend, drop into the Environment Centre, in Broadway, Accrington, and sign up for the film club.

For more information, call Barbara on 01254 230348 or 07599 106670, or email barbara.sharples@prospectsfoundation.org.uk.