A COMMUNITY cinema has been officially reopened after receiving a renovation grant from Asda.

The Little Savoy Community Picture House, based on Robert Street, Colne, had been forced to close during the pandemic.

However, thanks to a £6,200 grant from the Asda Foundation secured by Asda Colne community champion Diane Springthorpe it reopened last weekend.

Ms Springthorpe, who officially reopened the venue alongside Mayor of Pendle Cllr Neil Butterworth, said: "I'm proud of the relationship I've got with the guys and the fact that so many people are grateful for what we have given them.

"It's about the community and it's about proving that, as a company, we are not just about selling tins of beans but we are helping those people out there as they are our customers."

The Little Savoy was founded in 2018 by Andrew Reed alongside Darran Ward.

The revamp was undertaken in February 2020 with the help of the Asda Foundation grant orchestrated by Ms Springthorpe, with the easing of lockdown meaning that local people finally have the chance to see the refurbishment in full effect.

Ms Springthorpe said: "When I saw what they've done to the place I was blown away.

"Before the revamp it was really just a shed with a projector! Much of the work has been done by Andrew and volunteers and it's brilliant.

"It's not just a theatre, it has a children's playgroup twice a week, and school visits where children learn about the theatre and its heritage and they also invite people from care homes too."

Asda store manager Craig Donaldson says staff were thrilled by their colleague's work.

He said: "I'm so, so proud of this amazing lady.

"There aren't the words in the dictionary to describe the fantastic work Diane does or the magnitude of the impact she has on changing people's lives for the better.

"We had the privilege of accompanying Diane to the grand opening of The Little Savoy, an old fashioned picture house supporting its local community and the many different groups who use its facilities.

"This little Tardis has been renovated to an impeccable standard with the support of £6,200 from the Asda Foundation and the fantastic work of Andrew Reed and his volunteers.

"I always knew how much Diane loves her job and how she thrives to support and be better every day but from listening to the incredible speech by Diane officially opening The Little Savoy it was clear to see this is more than just a job for Diane but a passion to truly help support her community.

"We are so proud of you and thank you!"