EVESHAM'S Regal Cinema in Port Street has been sold for an undisclosed sum, but the buyer remains a mystery.

Owner John Angel said this week: "It is sold subject to contract. I have received the deposit so that's it as far as I am concerned. I sold it for very much less than I wanted, but was glad in the end to cut my losses."

Mr Angel would not confirm the name of the developer, except to say that the firm is based in Stratford.

He said: "I believe the new owner's intention is to convert the Grade II listed building into a two-screen cinema, which, because of the amount of work involved, might mean Evesham would be without a cinema for up to two years."

To date no plans have been submitted to Wychavon District Council.

Estate agent Tony Rowland of Timothy Lea and Griffiths said it was likely that the new owner would not reveal himself until the plans were finalised.

The selling of the Regal is a major landmark in the campaign to restore it. Two years ago Mr Angel announced his intention to sell the building without any guarantee of the cinema's future.

Fearing it would be demolished to make way for a block of flats, an action group was formed and English Heritage gave the Regal Grade II listed building status, protecting it from the bulldozers.

In February, Mr Angel was warned by Wychavon District Council that if he opened without an operators' licence he would face legal action.

Since then the cinema has been closed and staff have been laid off. The only two left serving their notice until the end of the month are manager Irene McKenzie and projectionist Brian Houghton.

Mr Houghton said: "It has got to change. It is too big for one screen.

Chairman of the action group Martin Hammon said: "If the cinema really has been sold the people of Evesham will be absolutely delighted to get back one of Evesham's benefits."