THE golden age of Chorley's cinemas is being celebrated in a unique project.

'The Flicks' is a CD of interviews which captures the essence of going to the pictures in Chorley rural cinemas throughout the last century.

It is the brainchild of Leyland resident Eddie Robinson, a former member of Chorley Film Society and caretaker at Chorley Little Theatre.

The project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, was started in late 1999.

A team was forged between Chorley and District Arts, North West Sound Archive and Astley Hall Education Outreach Service.

Since then they have been fundraising, training volunteer interviewers and contacting members of the public who wanted to share their memories of the cinemas.

The Rex in Adlington, the Regal in Brinscall, the Regent in Coppull, The Rex in Eccleston, Bentley Pictures in Mawdesley and Whittle Pictures are all remembered individually.

Eddie Robinson said: "I have been fascinated with films since an early age and interested in anything to do with cinemas generally.

"None of the original cinemas are now functioning, so its good to remember them. It would be nice to have a cinema back in Chorley again," he added.

Patron of the project, actor Bryan Forbes, said: "We all agreed that it was time to capture the cinemas so that future generations would understand why they played such an important part in our lives." 'The Flicks' CD is available from all Chorley libraries for sale or rent and is available to buy at Astley Hall Shop, Monday Market and Malcolm's Musicland, Chapel Street, Chorley.

In addition 'The Flicks' exhibition will run at Astley Hall until January.