Film buffs no longer have to travel out of Chippenham to catch the latest blockbusters in 3D as the town’s cinema has been equipped with brand new technology.

Engineers spent most of Friday installing a high quality 3D digital screen and projector at The Astoria, in Marshfield Road, which is set to undergo the biggest overhaul the building has seen since it was opened in May 1939.

Jeremy Hancock, who has recently taken over as manager, said: “The picture quality now is fantastic - it is so sharp and bright.

“It is high-tech and it is as good as you will get at any multiplex, plus you still get the friendly atmosphere here.

”We hope it will be really popular when the new Harry Potter and Narnia films are released.”

The Reel-owned cinema has already had several groups of youngsters watch fantasy thriller The Hole on the new screen, and Mr Hancock said the feedback has been positive.

“I have seen part of the film myself, and it looks really good,” he said. “The people we have had in said it really is quite jumpy because of the depth of it.

“I was here when they introduced the 3D back in the 80s and it wasn’t up to scratch, but this time they really seem to have got it right.”