MORE than 100 Evesham people, from young film buffs to pensioners, have pledged to support the fight to keep the Regal as a cinema.

The action follows owner John Angel's decision to put the 1930s art deco building up for sale with no guarantees about its future as a cinema.

At a public meeting last Friday, concerned townspeople heard that a preservation order had already been placed on it.

Chairman Martin Hammon made the surprise announcement that English Heritage had temporarily listed the building and he hoped it would be made permanent as soon as possible.

He said: "The temporary preservation order will give us more time, and prevent any internal or external work being carried out before any of us can act to save it."

Cinema buff Willie Ford, who alerted English Heritage to the need for a preservation order, said: "It is a beautiful example of a working cinema of the period and once it has gone, it has gone for ever."

Beryl Coles of the Evesham and District Pensioners' Association agreed.

She said: "Pensioners need the cinema - they don't want to travel to Worcester or Cheltenham."

Young filmgoer Sarah Ganderton said: "I am sure people would pay more for tickets if the Regal was done up."

A young man said: "I love the building and think it ought to be renovated with the seats tarted up and a better sound system."

Influential people in the town, including Evesham town manager Lew Hammond, chairman of the chamber of commerce Robert Johnson, and chairman of the civic society Brian Barry also gave their support.

Ideas such as incorporating a restaurant within the cinema, running a members' club, showing all-night specialist films, and installing a multi-screen complex were discussed.

At the end of the meeting 20 people volunteered to be on the action committee to work out a strategy to save the Regal.

Afterwards Bridge Street barber Martin Hammon, who has already donated £1,000 of his own money to the action fund, said: "It is up to the committee now to come up with a sensible viability study for public ownership - run by the people of the town for the people of the town."

Meeting on Monday, Evesham town councillors also pledged support and decided to write to members of the action committee asking if there was any way in which the council could help.

Agent for Mr Angel, Tony Rowland of Timothy Lea said: "I was very encouraged to see such a large number of people coming out on a wet Friday night to support the Regal.

"If Evesham people are able to put in a bid then we will be glad to consider it along with any others we may receive."