IT is almost three years since the Old Market development opened in Hereford – with a new six-screen cinema forming part of the offer.

But cinemagoers who visit the Odeon can pay up to £9 more for a family ticket than those visiting the nearest alternative venue in Worcester.

In Hereford, a family ticket during peak hours – Monday to Thursday from 5pm and all weekend

– costs £31. In Worcester, the same ticket would set you back just £22.

Prices are also higher for child and adult tickets, with adults forking out £10 per ticket in Hereford but £8.50 in Worcester.

A child's ticket in Hereford costs £7.75 and in Worcester it's £5.50. In Telford, the cost of a ticket for adults and children at all times is just £5.50.

But Odeon bosses have defended the variation in price and say tickets vary from site to site.

A spokesman for the cinema chain said: "Since 2014 we’ve been offering guests a wide choice of films and entertainment with a flexible pricing policy. So like many cinemas, theatres and leisure venues, our ticket prices vary depending on location, the type of entertainment we’re showing, seat type, time since release, the age of our guests and the number of people booking at one time – for example family tickets are cheaper than buying separately.

"This gives our guests plenty of choice and the opportunity to enjoy discounts and promotions during quieter periods, with all pricing options clearly listed in our cinemas and online."