Cannock Chase Council's Prince of Wales Centre, in Church Street, Cannock, will be transformed into a cinema with a huge 26x12ft screen when Ice Age 3: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (U certificate) is screened - the first time the popular arts venue has branched out into showing films. The big screen takes up the whole of the Prince of Wales stage.

The film will be shown from Friday, July 24th to Thursday, July 30th (including Sunday, July 26th). Friday and Tuesday screenings are at 4pm, with all others at 2pm. All tickets cost just £4 - with adults paying the same price as children.

As well as the usual drinks and confectionary that can be bought at the Prince of Wales Centre for any performance, a popcorn machine is being specially brought in to ensure the classic cinema snack is available for everyone.

Tickets for Ice Age 3: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs can be bought in advance by calling the box office on 01543 578762 or by calling into the Prince of Wales Centre. The box office is open between 10am and 4pm on Tuesdays and Fridays, and 10am to 2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of a screening - unless it is sold out.

Cllr Mick Grocott, Cannock Chase Council Culture, Sport and Services for Young People Leader, said: "The return of big screen cinema to Cannock town centre is great news for families across the District. I'm sure that it's going to be a huge success as tickets are selling really well already. I urge families to get booking their seats so they don't miss out."

In the latest Ice Age adventure - which only went on general release around the country on July 1st - the film's heroes are beneath the ice, discovering a world of dinosaurs. It has everything audiences loved about the first two films, adding even more comedy, action and spectacular visuals, and is sure to be the smash-hit movie of the summer.

Photo: Cllr Mick Grocott, left, and Prince of Wales Centre Manager Richard Kay look forward to the screenings later this month