CINEMAGOERS in Malvern will soon be able to enjoy movies in sparkling digital glory.

Malvern Theatres is set to replace its 35mm projectors in its cinema and the Forum Theatre with digital technology worth £120,000 later this year, giving film fans improved picture quality and a greater choice of flicks because fewer releases are being made available in the old format.

The upgrade will largely be funded by the Digital Film Partnership, a body charged with helping independent cinemas to modernise their equipment, who will contribute about £80,000 over the course of 10 years.

Half of the initial cost of £25,000 has been donated by the Kay Foundation, set up by local theatregoing enthusiast Ernie Kay in memory of Kathy and Margaret Kay, as part of the theatre’s ongoing fund-raising campaign which has raised more than £365,000 since it was launched in 2009.

The remaining half will come from efficiencies associated with owning more modern equipment.

Fred Moroni, marketing director at Malvern Theatres, said: “We’re delighted to be able to install this new equipment and are very grateful to the DFP and the Kay Foundation.”

The work is scheduled to take place in early March.