The Apollo Cinema in Leamington Spa has won the Community Support Award in the Mid Warwickshire Business Awards 2002.

The award recognises a one-off project or on-going programme of schemes by which businesses give something back to the community.

Gary Stevens, general manager, said that the Apollo had won the award by holding charity screenings to raise money for local projects and holding free screenings for under privileged children and schools.

The cinema also arranges work experience and placements for young adults with learning difficulties. 'The aim of the work placements is to help people with learning difficulties integrate with people in a friendly and public environment which is not always possible in mainstream commercial ventures,' Stevens said.

The four-screen cinema is one of a chain of eleven individually-styled Apollo cinemas across the country owned by Nita and Paul Gregg. Details: www.apollocinemas.co.uk