THE owner of Oxford's last independent cinema has died, aged 60, it has been announced.

Becky Hallsmith, who saved the Ultimate Picture Palace from closure when she bought it in 2011, passed away this morning after a battle with cancer.

In a statement, the cinema has said she was surrounded by friends and family.

From our archive: Ultimate Picture Palace welcomes its new owner

The management team have also said that Ms Hall ensured before her death that the future of the business was safe and the UPP would carry on showing films as normal.

The statement, posted this afternoon, reads: "We are very sad to say that Rebecca Hallsmith, the owner of the Ultimate Picture Palace since 2011, passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by friends and family.

"Becky's passion for film and determination as a businesswoman has made the UPP what it is today; a thriving part of Oxford’s vibrant cultural community. She had been in hospital receiving treatment for cancer and will be greatly missed by all the staff, volunteers, and customers who knew her well. 

Oxford Mail:

"The cinema was in her thoughts right up until the end, and Becky has ensured that the business is safe and will continue as usual."

Ms Hallsmith told the Oxford Mail in 2016 that she bought the 105-year-old cinema in a 'spur of the moment' decision, but then went on to pour her heart and soul into it.

Her makeover, which began with sprucing up the facade, included installing 100 new seats costing £30,000, which was made possible after an online fundraising drive supported by about 240 people.

She also removed damp, as well as put in a new ventilation system, sound system, movie screen and digital projector at the Grade II-listed building.

From our archive: Becky Hallsmith on her first five years at UPP

Ms Hallsmith completed her three-year campaign to make the £100,000-worth of renovations to the 105-seater cinema in 2014.

She said the number of movie lovers visiting the cinema has also rocketed from 22,000 in 2011 to 34,000 in 2015.

The following year she told the Oxford Mail: "It's been a lot of fun and very rewarding. I think the building has a soul – there is something about it. I feel love for it."