ONE of Britain’s most recognisable faces has thrown his weight behind the campaign to save a town's cinema.

Television and film star Mark Wingett came down to sign the ever-growing petition to save Deal's Flicks cinema while at his holiday home in the town.

The petition now has 3,000 signatures.

Mr Wingett played Jim Carver in The Bill for 21 years, and has also played Mike Swann in EastEnders.

Speaking exclusively to the East Kent Mercury, Mr Wingett said: “I only found out on Saturday that the cinema was under threat. It is a great shame because Flicks is so charming. I regularly take my daughter there when we are visiting Deal.

“When the cinema was showing Harry Potter, the staff did a fantastic job with the decorations. It is old-fashioned, but these traditional and independent cinemas are so inspiring.

“If it was not for cinemas like Flicks, I would not have become an actor.”

Now Flicks is hoping to stage a special screening of Quadrophenia, subject to a special licence being granted.

Mr Wingett made his big-screen debut in the 1979 classic, and joining him at Flicks on November 18 could be fellow cast members, Phil Daniels, who plays EastEnders’ Kevin Wicks, and Toyah Willcox.

Flicks owners, FS Leisure, are to meet members of the town council today (Thursday) to discuss possibilities of outside funding and moving the cinema to the Quarterdeck on Beach Street.

Alison Martin, FS Leisure’s finance director, said: “The Quarterdeck is an unused building, has wheelchair access and a small bar. It could prove an interesting alternative if there was help available.”