To a UCI cinema near you: Brand new English thriller starring: David Beckham (hopefully), Michael Owen and Sven-Goran Eriksson...

WE'VE got our flags, scarves, banners and shirts. We've cleared our throats in preparation for croons of tuneless encouragement and the majority of us have secured time off work with the boss.

But have we thought about where we are actually going to watch the crucial first round stages of the World Cup?

For most the options are thus: to unite in the camaraderie at the local pub, huddle around the television screen at work or even stick to the comforts of the armchair at home.

All are fine in their own right but what about viewing the action on the big screen at your local cinema?

It sounds a bizarre concept, but it is true. For the first time ever the multiplex UCI cinema at Tower Park will be showing all the crucial clashes for this year's World Cup.

From May 31 to June 30 football fans of all ages will be in the unique situation of seeing every foul and free kick on the cinema's big screens.

The cinema at Tower Park has been hand-picked as one of only 15 per cent of the UK's UCI complexes to show the major matches.

The idea has been dreamed up to draw in the football fanatic families through the turnstiles. And staff hope the innovative tactic will prove so popular the cinema will be packed to capacity.

Ticket prices vary between £5.99 and £9.99 depending on the game and include a goody bag containing a sandwich, a Kit Kat Chunky, a Yorkie Muffin, a medium soft drink and a UCI branded mini football.

For those who hate the sometimes smoky atmosphere of the pub, there will be relief in the knowledge that cigarettes and alcohol have been given the red card.

Security will also be on hand throughout all matches.

General manager Susi Teall said the World Cup screenings were hopefully the start of new and exciting ventures for the cinema.

"I am very excited about the opportunity and, if it goes well, may open the door for other big events in the future which will take cinema use and attendance into a completely different league," she said.

"I hope our offer will attract families and the younger generation of football fans and their families, giving them the chance to watch the games on a big screen in a safe, alcohol- and smoke-free environment."

She added: "I would also like to say to those who don't like football, it's business as usual for film showings."

The cinema plans to show 18 of the major matches in groups A, C, D, E, F, G and H. And should England or the Republic of Ireland qualify to phase 2 and beyond they will continue screening their progress.

To obtain tickets call the ticket line on 08456 011 736. A limited number of tickets may also be available from the Tower Park UCI box office on the day before each match.