MALVERN Theatres is appealing for public contributions towards an audio description system to aid customers with sight problems.

The theatre has made a number of applications to trusts for funding for the equipment needed for audio description and are awaiting responses, but it says any donations would be gratefully received.

To make the cinema suitable for audio description costs £8,000 and for the whole building would cost £35,000.

The plea comes after it was revealed that the cinema at Malvern Theatres has seen a 41 per cent in admissions over the last three years, thanks to its varied film programme.

It has also improved its accessibility, with monthly relaxed screenings for people with neurologically diverse conditions, as well as weekly subtitled films for people with hearing loss.

Nic Lloyd, chief executive, said: “The challenge for independent cinemas is to strive to match the level of choice offered by multi-screen venues.

“We know our audiences well and we work hard to deliver a diverse programme to ensure that Malvern is their first-choice cinema.”

Catharine Des Forges, director of the Independent Cinema Office, said: “Malvern Theatres promotes cinema as an art form in its own right, affording it the same programme space and curatorial and marketing resource as the others they showcase.

“We’re really encouraged by Malvern Theatres’ returning loyal audience and look forward to seeing its continued growth in years to come, cultivating an ever broader appetite for film in the area.”

Malvern Cinema shows films 364 days a year, including blockbusters, mainstream titles, arts cinema and independent films.

Malvern also shows live broadcasts from other theatres around the world, such as the National Theatre, Metropolitan Opera, RSC and Bolshoi.

To donate towards the audio description equipment, contact emma@malvern-theatres.co.uk.