One of the smallest cinemas in East Anglia has submitted plans to extend its capacity.

The 68-seater Electric Picture Palace in Southwold wants to convert a neighbouring two-storey garage so more film lovers can enjoy a mix of classic and modern films.

If approved by Waveney District Council it is hoped the �50,000 work could start as early as March on extending the Edwardian-style cinema.

The work will see extra seats put in and a new-look foyer and toilets.

Because the garage is large, the Southwold Film Society, which runs the cinema on a charitable basis, will create a new DVD and film archive and a private screening room.

So far the film society has raised �15,000 for the work, which is expected to be approved by the district council under delegated powers.

The extension fundraising campaign has seen some of the society’s 1,000 members take part in regular film quizzes. It is also selling a DVD entitled Southwold Having a Wonderful Time.

The new-look cinema should open a year before its 10th anniversary in 2012.