A FILM society could light up Wokingham if the idea receives enough support.

The town council is investigating the possibility of running the club with films showing in the town hall, and will pilot the idea with Oscar-winner The Artist on Friday, February 8.

Town mayor Peter Lucey said: "I am really looking forward to this event. I have long felt that Wokingham would benefit from a cinema, or a film society that shows films on a large screen. Films, for children and adults alike, that are perhaps not supplied by the various multiplexes that surround us.

"I am proud to support this pioneering show in our town hall - and of course a film society - and I'm sure it will be fun."

He added: "Please support another wonderful Wokingham Town Council Arts and Culture initiative and another valuable form of Wokingham entertainment!"

The Artist will start at 7pm and is expected to run until 9pm, at the town hall in Market Place.

Afterwards, prospective members of the planned, independently-run, film society can discuss how it would set up.

Cllr Gwyneth Hewetson, chairwoman of the arts and culture committee, said: "This is a great opportunity to be a founding member of Wokingham Film Club. Have a say in the selection of films and watch them with friends in the beautiful Victorian town hall".

To register an interest or to secure a place at the free film screening, email Gemma Cumming, the town council's arts and culture officer, via gcumming@wokingham-tc.gov.uk or call 0118 974 0889. Tickets for The Artist will also be available at the town hall information centre from today (Monday January 14).

The council also hopes to run a series of art lectures in the town hall, which could run every couple of months.

The idea was unanimously voted through at a meeting of the arts and culture committee on Wednesday last week.