COUNCILLORS could be the new super-heroes for young children desperate to see the hit movie "Spider-Man".

They will watch a special screening of the blockbuster and decide whether to reduce its classification from a 12 to a PG.

Parents have asked the town hall for help after their youngsters were refused admission to the action film because they were under 12.

Members of the licensing and safety panel will see the movie on Thursday (July 18) at Warner Village Cinemas in Pilsworth. If they reduce its rating, the movie could become an even bigger hit in Bury, with the school holidays starting this week.

Several other councils have used their powers to relax the rules, knowing that many children are keen to see the comic book hero (played by Tobey Maguire) battle it out with the Green Goblin, played by Willem Dafoe.

Mr Calvin Whitehead, general manager at Warner Village in Pilsworth, said: "There's been a lot of interest because it's Spider-Man, a very big film.

"We have had to turn some people away because they were too young, but this always happens with some films.

"It's been given a 12 rating by the BBFC, and we have to ask people to provide proof of age before they come in. It's up to the council if they want to change that."

Historically, Bury councillors have only been asked to intervene by residents who want a film banned. The licensing committee, formally the Watch committee, has cast its critical eye over just two films in the last 25 years, Monty Python's "Life of Brian" and the sex/horror flick "Crash", and given them both the all-clear.

Councillors are due to hold a meeting immediately after Thursday's screening to make up their minds. Any change could be in place by the weekend.