REX Revival Group leader Sophie Taylor has been stunned by the huge public reaction to the planned reopening of the Rex Cinema in Wilmslow.

The cinema is to be reopened after a gap of 23 years by the family who restored The Savoy Cinema in Heaton Moor.

Sophie announced the news last night on social media, sparking an enormous response from people who had supported the Rex Revival campaign to reopen the cinema.

The public's delight at news of the reopening can be seen by the fact that 200 Rex memberships have been taken out in only 24 hours.

The cinema is being reopened by the Mundin family, who have lovingly restored three cinemas in the UK.

“We are staggered by the response to the announcement that the Rex is to reopen,” said Sophie.

“We had our first meeting with the Mundin family back in February at The Savoy in Heaton Moor, a cinema that I had followed the restoration of.

“Straight away we could see they were the right people to take on the Rex. We were impressed by their passion and enthusiasm to lovingly create quality cinema experiences.

“Since then they have kept us up-to-date on their progress, whilst we have tried to build up local support for the return of the Rex.

“The encouragement and excitement shown by the local people has been overwhelming, and at times it has been very difficult to keep developments under wraps, but we did it!

“We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to those who have shown their support during the campaign.

“Whilst I have led the campaign, it really has been a team effort, and would not have been a success without the rest of the 'Core Team', which consists of Chris McClory, Ian Illingworth, Heloise Graham, Tony Nicholls, Pete McClory and Lizzie Wilson.

“Their skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and support have been immense.”

Louis and Sophie Mundin run The Savoy, and will run The Rex.

Sophie said: “We need to say a big thank you to the Rex Revival group, who have generated huge support for the Rex and helped to maintain a firm following from the local community whilst we have been working to secure the building.

“We hope that you are as excited as we are about this journey to bring the Rex back to life!

“We are delighted to announce that the Rex will re-open in the near future to bring cinema, and much more, back into the heart of Wilmslow.

"The cinema is undergoing a dramatic transformation to bring you luxury, comfort, service and the latest technology.

“Our digital projection and 7.1 surround sound will create the perfect balance for a fully immersive cinema experience.

“When the lights go down and the curtains go up, you will be transported to another world."

Angela McPake, vice-chairman of Wilmslow Town Council said: "We are absolutely thrilled that a cinema will be coming back to Wilmslow and the Rex will be at the heart of the town again."

For more details on the reopening and the Mundin family visit rexcinemawilmslow.com

Rex Cinema memberships are optional, but there are many benefits including free tickets (which can be used on luxury seats and sofas), money off every visit, invitations to special members' screenings and the monthly programme delivered to your door.