A cinema fearing closure has been forced to retract a special offer after an overwhelming response.

Penrith’s Lonsdale Alhambra has been forced to reduce its opening times as it has had so few admissions.

The normally popular cinema was offering private hire to try and boost its busines.

A spokesman for the popular picture house said: “All of us at the Alhambra are over the moon with the current response for our private hire offer.

“It’s thrilling to see so many people excited about film and the experience of going to the cinema.

“However due to the overwhelming demand we are going to have to close this offer for the moment.

“But fear not as this offer will return once again when the dust settles.”

The team took the final booking yesterday but have promised once the dust settles they will reopen to bookings and the offer will return.