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The Penistone Paramount won £95,844 from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, a £1.57 billion package to help Britain’s cultural, arts and heritage institutions in the pandemic.

Cinema manager Brian Barnsley said: "We are very pleased with this grant award, this funding secures the future of the Paramount in these very trying times.

“The funding is to cover the costs incurred of making the building Covid secure and supporting the cinema when we are able to welcome customers again.”

The Paramount, in a distinctive 106-year-old building on Shrewsbury Road, is one of more than 200 independent cinemas in England that are being supported with £16 million from the fund.

Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates welcomed the news.

She said: “The Paramount cinema is so important to the Penistone community but it has really struggled this year because of Covid-19.

“While the pandemic looks set to continue for some months yet, it’s so important that the cinema is still here when we get back to normal.

“I’m delighted that the Penistone Paramount is benefiting from this national fund and I had the privilege of being shown around the recently-upgraded auditorium by Brian Barnsley.”

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Built as the Assembly Hall for Penistone, the Paramount is a 344-seat cinema operated by Penistone Town Council.

The auditorium was refurbished in the summer and has new seating, carpets and decoration, the house lights have been upgraded and the front steps have been restored.

The single screen sits in front of a large stage where live shows can take place.

The building is also home to the Mighty Compton Paramount Cinema Organ which often features in music concerts.

Miriam Cates added: “Community assets like the Penistone Paramount are the cultural and social heart of our towns and villages.

“I know how much hard work has gone into keeping the cinema going over recent years, and this grant will hopefully ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy all it has to offer.”

Website: www.penistoneparamount.co.uk

Penistone Paramount cinema celebrates £95,000 cash lifeline