The man behind a new cinema in Whitstable says he wants to “recreate the experience” lost when the town’s last picturehouse closed.

Radio producer Simon Poole is launching a new community cinema at the Horsebridge Centre next month.

The 145-seat Whitstable Electric Theatre Company will be the first in the town since the Imperial Oyster Cinema closed in 2003.

Mr Poole said: “It was such a shame for the town when the cinema closed. It was so enjoyable to walk to the cinema, enjoy a beer, watch a film and amble home. We want to recreate that experience and the Horsebridge is providing very enthusiastic support.”

The new cinema – which will show releases six weeks behind mainstream venues - will start with monthly screenings, but may increase showings if there’s enough demand.

Bosses are also thinking of holding a horror night to honour the town’s links to the genre.

But its first screening will be slightly less scary, with Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides lined up for the opening night on September 9.

Mr Poole, who lives in the town, said: “We want to cater for everyone in the community. Once we can judge the demand by asking film goers what they want, we will do our best to accommodate a wide range of tastes.

“We hope Whitstable’s residents will support us. We have on board some committed members but we are asking for volunteers to join us. In particular, we need an accountant to step in as treasurer, website design help and people to join our committee.”

Tickets for the first screening cost £5 and can be booked at the Horsebridge by calling 01227 281174.

You can follow the development of the cinema on Twitter at @whitselectric or on Facebook at facebook.com/WhitstableElectricTheatre.