Lights, camera, action! Chiddingfold Village Cinema founders Matthew and Georgia Lacey made their final bows at a packed farewell party.

Alyssa Burnett, a member of the new team who will take over next month, said: “Matthew even came with his own clapper board.

“Among the farewell and thank-you gifts were theatre vouchers, a seasonal bouquet of flowers, sparkling wine, chocolates and a CD of our special tribute to them.

“They will be much missed. Those contributing included the trustees of the village hall charity, cinema volunteers and some of the 584 members.”

It was Matthew and Georgia who stepped into the breach when the continuation of the monthly Movies on the Move screenings by the Chiddingfold Village Hall committee was threatened by a lack of volunteers.

Arch film fans Matthew and Georgia decided to have a go themselves, and made such a good job of it that the village hall invested in its own equipment.

In 2011, Matthew set up what is the now the very successful Chiddingfold Cinema and ensured audiences were greeted warmly and made to feel welcome, with Georgia’s homemade cakes also proving a big hit.

Matthew has also been an inspiration to other communities, notably Plaistow Entertainments Rural Cinema, and has given valuable help to others keen to set up their own community cinemas.

After eight years at the helm, Matthew and Georgia have both decided to step down.

Between September and December 2018, Chiddingfold Cinema entered a transition phase, as the new team learned the ropes.

Matthew and Georgia will continue to offer offer advice when help is needed.

The new team officially start in the new year.