A cinema is set to return to Halstead after almost a decade since the reels stopped.

The Empire Theatre Trust, which manages the theatre in Butler Road, is hoping to secure a business plan with film equipment companies, which could allow films to be shown again in a matter of months.

The cinema side of the theatre closed in 2005 after Cineworld at Braintree Freeport opened.

Chairman Martyn Prince was adamant the cinema would return.

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.