Watch an Oscar-nominated Stephen Spielberg blockbuster as cinema returns to Witham for the first time in half a century.

Witham Public Hall will be screening War Horse on Saturday evening as it hopes to establish a monthly film night.

The 2011 film, based on the book by Michael Morpurgo, tells the story of a horse called Joey, purchased by the British cavalry during the First World War, and the attempts of its previous owner, a teenager named Albert, to be reunited with him.

If the pilot screening is a success, the hall’s trustees hope the film night can become a regular event.

It will be the first time Witham residents have had the chance to watch films in the town since the Whitehall Cinema in Newland Street, which sat on the current site of Witham Library, closed down in 1964.

To help gauge interest, filmgoers will only have to pay £1 to watch the pilot screening.

Events manager Graham Green said: “We want to encourage as many local people as possible to bring their families to our first ever film evening and didn’t want the cost to be an issue.

“In fact, if people complete a brief questionnaire which helps us identify what type of films they would like to see in future we will return the £1.”

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. For details or to book tickets, call 0845 017 8717 or visit withampublichall.co.uk