KIDDERMINSTER film fans packed out a new cinema on its opening night to see the latest James Bond flick No Time To Die.

Secret agent 007 greeted guests himself at the new Lume Cinema yesterday (September 30) - with some out for their first movie night since the start of the pandemic.

After Reel’s shock announcement last year that they were closing the Green Street site, film fan James Anderson Brown, founder of The Mockingbird Cinema in Birmingham, and Anthony Hughes and Eddy Morton, founders of Stourbridge Community Development Trust, stepped in to prevent the cinema from being lost for good and refurbish it.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Shaken not stirred: 007 with one of the cinema director Anthony Hughes Shaken not stirred: 007 with one of the cinema director Anthony Hughes

The Lume Cinema project was hit by several setbacks, mainly due to the nationwide lockdown.

Film buff Sam Harper, aged 49, who worked at the Reel cinema from 2013, was delighted that she was able to keep her job at the cinema after it was saved. She was working as an usher on opening night.

Reacting to the opening she said: “It looks really nice – I can’t wait to see Ghostbusters."

Kidderminster Shuttle: 007 posing with usher Sam Harper 007 posing with usher Sam Harper

Maria Haque, aged 19, who also worked there before the takeover, said it was the “best news” to hear the cinema would be saved. She was working behind the bar on the night.

She said: “I was working just for a year – It was a shame when it closed.

“It’s the only cinema in Kidderminster – it’s important because it brings everyone together.

“It’s so much better now.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: Mr Bond with Maria Haque Mr Bond with Maria Haque

The Winstanley family were able to enjoy a movie night out in Kidderminster for the first time since the pandemic hit.

Lisa Winstanley said: “It’s been a long time coming. I think it’s brilliant. I want to support local business.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: The Winstanley family finally get to see Bond The Winstanley family finally get to see Bond

Director of the cinema Anthony Hughes said it's brilliant the cinema is finally up and running.

He said: "It's been a really interesting 18 months full of ups and downs but we're here.

"We've got it over the line and we've got our vision come true.

"We are so happy about the effort people have put in to get this off the ground. It’s so much more than a cinema. It’s going to have community events and arts events.

“We want it to be a focal point for everyone.”

Mr Bond said he felt "privileged" to be there on the opening night.