White River receives best independent cinema award

The four screen White River Cinema opened in 2008

White River Cinema in St Austell is now the UK's Independent Cinema of the Year following an awards ceremony in London.

St Austell's new cinema beat competition from across the country to win the RAAM award.

The RAMM awards recognize excellence in the UK and Irish cinema and film distribution industry.

WTW's independent four screen cinema has won the accolade despite only opening in December 2008.

The cinema was up against stiff competition from rival picture houses, Zeffirellis in Cumbria and The Lexi in London at a prestigious ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in London.

White River's manager Mark Williams said: "The whole team is absolutely delighted to have received the award so soon after opening - it's a really fantastic achievement and one which we are all very proud."

I also want to pay tribute to the people of St Austell and the surrounding area for their continued support since the first open days."

The 2011 ceremony was the seventh RAAM Management Cinema Awards to be held.

Reflecting on the award, Tony Meeham the Chairman of RAAM and the awards jury said:

"The top cinema awards are based on the cinema's ability to meet public expectations in so far as overall services including; film choice and timing, alternative content, concession offer, theatre comfort and technology."

The White River cinema is one of four owned by the independent, family run WTW cinemas; The Plaza in Truro, The Regal in Wadebridge and the new cinema currently being constructed in Newquay.

WTW plans to refit of the existing Plaza cinema in Truro in 2012.