A REGAL name has been chosen for Royston’s new community cinema.

Organisers of the cinema, which is set to open its doors at Royston town hall next year, have announced that it will be called the Royston Picture Palace.

A competition to suggest names for the cinema ran last month, and the chosen name was the idea of Royston resident Chris Lee.

Mr Lee said: “The Royston Picture Palace evokes the fantasy of film combined with Royston’s royal history and seemed an appropriate name for our town which has such strong historical connections.

“I really hope the community backs this initiative as, with committed volunteers and loyal film-goers, great things could develop.”

Royston was an important place during the reign of King James I. After the death of Queen Elizabeth I, he stopped here to hunt and returned to Royston thereafter. His old hunting lodge in Kneesworth Street is now known as the Old Palace.

The Picture Palace was the name given in the UK to movie theatres which sprung up here between 1910 and the 1940s.

A spokesman for the judges, who received over 50 suggestions for names, said: “Royston’s royal connection proved to be a popular theme with entrants, and judges were particularly impressed by The Royston Picture Palace which creates an image of distinction whilst giving a clear nod to a bygone era.

“With new state-of-the-art cinema housed in Royston’s historical town hall, The Royston Picture Palace will effectively contain 21st century technology dovetailed into a 170 year-old building.”

Mr Lee will receive a prize, a unique piece of cinema memorabilia provided by Royston accountancy firm UHY WKH.

Organisers are still seeking volunteers to help run the cinema, as each screening will require a projectionist/performance manager as well as general volunteers. You can register your interest at www.roystoncinema.org.