Free dementia-friendly cinema screenings are coming to Halstead for the first time.

The special showings will take place on a monthly basis at the Empire Theatre, in Butler Road, and feature an intermission break during the film.

The auditorium will be set up to accommodate large groups as well as couples and carers.

Entry will be completely free of charge, including coffee, biscuits and cake.

To make things more comfortable for those with dementia, house lights will be on low and sound will be at a comfortable level. Staff will also be on hand to assist where necessary.

The Dementia Cinema is an Empire project which has been supported by charity Care UK.

District councillors Stephen Kirby and David Hume have provided funding through the council’s community grant scheme towards to the project.

The East of England Co-op and The Dementia Action Alliance have also been involved.

The first film is Paddington 2, which starts at 2pm on Thursday, June 7.

Visit empire-theatre.co.uk.