Bridgwater projectionist retires after 67 years service

Before he leaves Ray will play out the first digital film at Scott Cinemas

A cinema projectionist from Bridgwater has retired after 67 years service - what's thought to be the longest time served as a projectionist in Britain.

Ray Mascord started working at Scott Cinemas when he left school aged 14.

Before he leaves he will have worked with all three types of film: basic film, Cinemascope and digital format.

On why he loved working in the cinema, he said: "It's like actors being on stage, they sort of get it in their blood and it's part of their life."

'Great help'

After being conscripted into army in 1948 Ray continued working at various cinemas around the country and worked his way up to chief projectionist.

He also met his wife through his work - she was an usherette at the cinema and later became his third projectionist.

Now the cinema is becoming fully digital, Ray has decided to call it a day.

But he will play out the first digital film to mark his departure.

"With digital the picture is much sharper, brighter, there's no lacing up, no pressing the projector, no waiting to see it go out of rack.

"Yes it is sad, but it's a great help nowadays, all you do is press play and the computer does it for you."

Despite people's misconceptions, Ray says it's not always a blessing being able to see all the latest releases.

"Actually I don't want to see all the films - I don't like the majority of the films they make today - the last one I enjoyed was Mamma Mia!"