STAFF at Hexham's Forum Cinema have thanked its customers for their support through a temporary closure due to Covid-19. 

Programme and communications manager, David Nixon, said staff had been inundated with messages of support and acts of kindness since the cinema closed its doors last week.

He said people could still purchase Friend of the Forum memberships and gift vouchers online, both of which will have their expiry dates extended once the cinema reopens, to continue to support the cinema.

He added: "We want to give something back to our loyal supporters so if you purchase a Friend of the Forum membership online before Friday, March 27, you will receive some exclusive online streaming freebies and deals to be used at home during the lock down.

"As a community-owned cinema, whose profits go back into Hexham to help the town thrive, we’ll need all the support we can get during this time of uncertainty."

He added that the cinema was working on some creative ways to engage with audiences during the temporary closure.

“Despite our temporary closure, we want to continue to be at the forefront of film exhibition in the region and we are pursuing some exciting ideas," he said.