CAKE was on offer to patrons of Bourton’s Rural Cinema which celebrated its 10th birthday.

A grant of £200 was presented to Bourton Panto Group before residents enjoyed Saving Mr. Banks, starring Tom Hanks, at last week's 2.30pm matinee showing.

Founded by Bourton resident Mollie Wise, the monthly entertainment in the Victoria Hall has grown so popular a matinee performance was added in 2008 when “Mamma Mia” hit the screens.

“We could see other villages starting to show films under the Cotswold District Council’s scheme and thought we would have a go in Bourton," said Mrs Wise.

"In the parish magazine I put a note asking for a projectionist, I got two chaps that answered and 10 years later they are still with me.

“Our first film was “Love Actually” and we had to turn 15 people away as our maximum seating was 114”.

People from all over the village - and even tourists - enjoy the film showings held on the third Monday of the month at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Mrs Wise said the matinee was really popular with the elderly members who enjoyed the regular social activity.

"We get a lot of pensioners in the afternoon," said Mrs Wise. "Afternoons are popular with the people that live on their own as the pensioners can get home before it's dark in the winter time.

"In the evenings we get husbands and wives coming. Really it's an outing for a lot of people. In the summer we pick up the tourist trade. They are absolutely thrilled we give them a welcome.

"Anything with Judy Dench is popular and Julie Walters, they all like her."

Over the years, grants have been made to many organisations to comply with CDC rules which state any profits made must be ploughed back into the community.

This includes a £1,500 grant to the Diamond Jubilee Fund, £500 to the Baden Powell hall where Guides and Scouts meet, £100 to the Friday Lunch Club and a large screen has been bought for the Victoria Hall for any club to use.