THERE are hopes that Spider-Man 3 will prove a blockbusting start to the opening of Didcot's long-awaited multiplex cinema next month.

The £4.5m, five-screen Cineworld cinema will show its first film soon after doors open at 11am on Friday, May 4 - the day Spider-Man 3 is released in the UK.

Schoolchildren, local business representatives and competition winners have been invited to an exclusive preview screening of a film on Tuesday, May 1, when the cinema will be officially opened by Cineworld chief executive Steve Wiener.

Manager Tanya O'Neill said: "It's really exciting to be involved with a cinema launch, especially at a time when there are some great movies to look forward to.

"These include Spider-Man 3, which sees the return of Peter Parker as he battles the dark force within and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End at the end of May."

The cinema, which has 900 seats, is a key part of the town centre redevelopment, along with the Orchard shopping centre, town square and arts centre.

The building was constructed by South Oxfordshire District Council, which handed it over to Cineworld for work on the interior in December.

Cineworld has already announced some special offers at Didcot, including Saturday morning kids' club films for £1.

Tickets can be booked in advance by calling 0871 220 8000 or online at www.cineworld.co.uk