VILLAGERS are fighting for the future of films in Milborne St Andrew.

They have been warned by organisers of Moviola mobile cinema that not enough people are attending to make screenings worthwhile.

The Dorset Film Touring Company takes Moviola around rural communities to show recently released films and blockbusters.

Now it has given Milborne another chance with a recent screening of the 3D fantasy Alice In Wonderland and an autumn season of films.

Organisers have appealed for people in the village and surrounding communities to attend the screenings.

Maggie Redmill, who is on the village hall committee, said: “It is a great opportunity.

“Technically, they provide a marvellous service and the quality is very good from the mobile unit.

“People often make it a social occasion.”

The films are shown in the village hall and the committee usually stages a dinner beforehand.

They enjoyed a Mad Hatter’s tea party before the Alice In Wonderland screening.

The films will be shown on Thursday nights in the autumn and are set to include Robin Hood, Invictus, Letters To Juliet and Tamara Drewe.

Hall trustees say the Moviola allows such villagers as the wheelchair-bound and elderly to see films as well as people who would struggle with transport into towns.

Richard Lock, chairman of hall trustees said: “The value of Moviola is that it brings films into the villages.

“For people who rely on public transport it is difficult to get out and see films.

“There is also the social and community aspect. These sort of activities keep villages alive.”

Organisers need about 60 people to make the screenings viable but have been subsidising showings recently after average attendances of about 45.

Villagers from communities, like Dewlish, Winterborne Whitechurch and Milton Abbas, are being encouraged to go along.

Tickets are £5. Call Mrs Redmill on 01258 837262.