A cinema in Halstead could save the “dying” town, according to fundraisers.

Danni Pickering, 31, and partner Craig Smith, 32, have arranged three events aiming to raise the £60,000 needed for a projector for the Empire Theatre, in Butler Road, Halstead.

Attempts have been made to bring the cinema back to Halstead in recent years, after it closed in 2005 after 90 years due to competition from the cinema in Freeport Braintree.

Mr Smith and Miss Pickering have joined the fundraising committee of the Empire Theatre Trust.

Miss Pickering, a hairdresser who lives with Mr Smith in Head Street, Halstead, said: “Everything is moving forwards quite quickly now there is the new committee in place.

“We just need as much money as we can to buy the projector.

“We are getting quite a lot of support for re-opening the cinema."

The first event is a quiz night at Queen’s Hall, in Halstead, on May 22.

Tickets are £5 each - bring your own drink and nibbles.

On August 2, the couple have arranged a charity fun day at Courtaulds Sports Ground, in Halstead, between 11am and 4pm.

Finally, on August 15, there will be a charity fancy dress disco at Queen’s Hall, in Halstead.

Tickets are £7.50 each.

For more information, to sign up, or to be a volunteer at the fun day, search for “Bring the Cinema back to Halstead”.