Chudleigh Film Society is celebrating after gaining an honour from the British Federation of Film Societies.

It was thrilled to gain a distinction in the Best New Film Society category of the prestigious annual awards ceremony, which took place in Shaftesbury.

The society, which meets at Chudleigh Town Hall, serves the whole community with a range of films from Hollywood classics to recent releases, as well as introducing the audience to examples of prize-winning world cinema, attracts appreciative audiences.

Fruitful links between the society, Chudleigh primary and Teign schools have resulted in the screening of students' own films on the big screen before the main feature.

'These have given an insight into the skilful and creative

work that teenagers can produce,' said Carole Smart, chairman of Chudleigh Film Society Committee.

'We aim to put on a special screening of students' and children's work next spring.'

Now the society has proved a cinema in the town is valued, plans are under way to secure the society's financial future and to continue to develop its ambitious programme.

'The committee is now working to raise funds so that they can acquire their own equipment and cut out the costs of hiring it, and provide comfortable chairs to encourage bigger audiences,' said Mrs Smart.

Films are screened on the second Friday of the month in the Woodway Room, Town Hall, Chudleigh, with wine available from 7.15pm and the film starting at 8pm.

This month, Keira Knightly's latest offering The Duchess is being shown, and the Christmas film is It's A Wonderful Life, with a short illustrated introduction by Katharine Tresidder.

Find out more by calling 01626 853787 or email [email protected]">[email protected].