Hollywood Cinemas have agreed to keep the film house in Hatter Street open throughout the summer season, until their lease expires in November.

Pat Church, manager of the cinema for the past 42 years, said: "This is a great weight off my mind.

"There was such an overwhelming public response, they couldn't really refuse us."

The oldest picture house in Bury closed three weeks ago amid concern from film fans, who had affection for the cinema which opened in 1924.

But thanks to public support, Mr Church has negotiated a stay of execution to give him time to find new backers to run the business.

Mr Church said: "I'll be very pleased to open the doors again.

"It has been quite humbling to think what the cinema means to people."

The picture house will open its doors next Friday, but will now be known as Hollywood Cinema rather than the Hollywood Film Theatre.

Trevor Wicks, director of Hollywood Cinemas, said: "We are extremely pleased we have managed to re-open the cinema so quickly.

"We are very pleased with the support we have received and look forward to working together to secure the future of the cinema."