The manager of a theatre and cinema in a Suffolk town is celebrating after 2015 saw record admissions for the second year running.

The Regal Theatre in Stowmarket took 63,394 admissions last year, an increase of 6,732 on the record set in 2014.

David Marsh, manager of the Regal, said: “2015 has been an amazing year for the venue, we’ve increased admissions by over 11%, with fantastic films like Star Wars, Spectre and Lady in the Van doing some amazing business and we’ve been especially pleased with the number of people who’ve come to our new live streamed event cinema screenings.”

For Spectre, the latest film in the James Bond series, the Regal was selected as one of a handful of independent cinemasto screen the world premiere.

Those in attendance for the sell-out premiere were photographed as they made their way along the red carpet into the Regal for a champagne reception.

The cinema, which is owned by Stowmarket Town Council, is currently showing Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Good Dinosaur and Bridge of Spies.

Mr Marsh continued to reflect on the year, adding: “It’s a double celebration because December has also been our busiest month on record with 7,486 people coming to watch a film, live stream or live show.

“Neil Sands Christmas Memories and Cara Lea’s Showcase were extremely popular live shows and we enjoyed a great week of Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society’s production of the Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.”

“We’re celebrating the Regal’s 80th birthday in 2016, so we look forward to bringing you some very special events in the spring,” Mr Marsh added. The town council is also planning a refurbishment and expansion to the Regal in 2017.