A BENEFACTOR, who wishes to remain anonymous, has handed over £1,000 to help save the Regal Cinema in Evesham.

The owner, John Angel, said in June that unless he got financial help towards the cost of a ceiling inspection, necessary before a health and safety licence can be granted, he would close the cinema on August 31

Now he's received the cash, the inspection is to go ahead tomorrow morning (Friday).

Mr Angel said: "I've got quite a few repairs done already and have spent hundreds of pounds on a risk assessment scheme which is required before I can obtain a new licence. The donation we received is going towards special equipment we have to hire in order for Ward and Dale and Smith to carry out the ceiling inspection.

"It all depends on what the report says though, as to whether the Regal stays open after August.

"I am not going to pay out upwards of £40,000 for a new roof or for extensive repairs without help from the council or these people who are campaigning to keep it open."

English Heritage has visited the site twice on behalf of a prospective buyer who, Mr Angel said, wants take over the Regal and install three screens.

He said: "Now the building is listed there's all sorts of restrictions on what you can do with it - I wouldn't be surprised if he was put off."

The future of the Regal first became uncertain last year when Mr Angel announced he was selling the building to the highest bidder.

The Evesham Regal Trust was formed to preserve it, after an outcry from the public.

All year members have been battling to start up negotiations to take the cinema over, but without success so far.