The Orpheus cinema in Henleaze is being revamped after coming under new ownership.

The 71-year-old cinema was bought at the end of February by Devon-based Scott Cinemas, an independent cinema company with seven other venues in southern England including one in Bridgwater, Somerset.

Managing director Peter Hoare, who lives near Exeter, says the cinema will be getting a fresh lick of paint and a few other improvements, including an internet ticket-booking facility.

But regulars are being reassured that several things will remain the same – ticket prices, the eclectic range of films on show and popular staff, including manager of 13 years Ann Miles.

Mr Hoare, whose business has been going since 1985, said: "We have established ourselves as a company running independent but well-furnished cinemas.

"We want to enhance the viewing experience for people visiting the Orpheus.

"But it has never been our aim to pull the Orpheus apart because in many ways it works well as it is.

"The improvements we want to make are to let people book online, put better toilet facilities in and make alterations to screen one, such as improving the visibility people have of the screen.

"We will also be redecorating the whole place, putting in new carpet and a new ticketing system.

"It's all about refreshing the place and making it a better experience for our audiences."

He refused to reveal how much he was spending on the revamp.

According to Mr Hoare, Realtime contacted him last year to discuss selling the cinema along with three others, but he was only interested in buying the Orpheus. He says work will start next week and is due to finish in mid to late May.

During that time, the cinema will be operating as normal, with screenings in the evening and building work taking place during the day.

Go to Crackerjack for the latest cinema listings in the Bristol area.