Twelve cinemas in Cornwall are among more than 200 nationally to be receiving a share of £30 million in grants after they were hit hard by the pandemic closures.

It is part of the government's Culture Recovery Fund, designed to offer support to organisations in the arts, theatre and entertainment industry that have lost money over the past year as a result of social distancing restrictions and enforced closures.

The money has been allocated by the British Film Institute, on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Of the cinemas in Cornwall, ones owned by WTW will each be receiving £171,566, including Plaza Truro, the Lighthouse Newquay and the White River Cinema in St Austell.

The Merlin cinema group branches are also receiving cash, with £69,200 each for the Phoenix Cinema in Falmouth, the Flora Cinema in Helston, the Regal Cinema in Redruth, the Savoy Cinema in Penzance, the Royal Cinema in St Ives and the Capitol in Bodmin.

Other cinemas in the Duchy getting cash are the Filmhouse Penzance, (£67,406), the Rebel Cinema in Bude/Stratton (£10,000) and the Regal Wadebridge (£73,643).

West Cornwall's MP Derek Thomas described it as a "lifeline" for the cinemas.

Speaking of those in his constituency, he said: "These four cinemas are a vital part of the communities they represent and without them, people would struggle to access culture and entertainment – so they are a real lifeline.

"They don’t just screen the latest blockbusters – they also run educational programmes, workshops, arthouse films and specialised screenings.

“Film is one of the most powerful and accessible of art forms and cinemas are a vital part of our communities - we need to support them in order to keep the art of film and the sense of community alive.”

A further £14 million will be made available to cinemas through a second round of funding allocated by the BFI early next year from the remainder of the Culture Recovery Fund.

The government said that funding had been held back to allow it to respond to the changing public health picture, and the money will support cinemas at imminent risk of collapse before the end of this financial year.

The news has also been welcomed by Truro and Falmouth MP Cherilyn Mackrory, who said: “Who doesn’t love a festive visit to the cinema? Our local cinemas have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic this year and I am pleased to see the government recognise this with dedicated funding for independent cinemas in Truro and Falmouth.

"I hope this will make all the difference in helping them through this difficult time.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The magic of film is such an important part of the festive period and this investment will help protect our independent cinemas so they're around for many Christmases to come.

"Alongside it, the extension of the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme means the UK will be producing even more great content as the cinema industry recovers, keeping us at the forefront of the creative industries.”