A LOCAL film society has closed its doors after 37 years.

The York Friendly Film Society For The Disabled has held 370 screenings for more than 10,000 film goers since its launch, and organisers threw a party on Saturday to thank all the volunteers who had helped out over the years.

The society was set up by the Fuller Life Action Group (FLAG), and York CVS as The Grange Film Society in 1977, and the first film shown was Orient Express, while the final film shown earlier this year was Shall We Dance, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Kathy Ransome has been a volunteer for more than 30 years and is the Society’s Treasurer, and said: "The Society was set up in 1977 to ensure that disabled people were able to watch films after one young boy with spina bifida was refused admission to a local cinema because of his a wheelchair.

"Thankfully times have changed. Cinemas are more accessible, DVDs and film streaming means everyone can watch the films they want at any time. So, it’s the right time for the Society to close but the film viewing will continue as we are delighted to be donating our film equipment to the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust for use in its Lamel Beeches care home."

The society also organised day outings and annual trips to the pantomime in the Joseph Rowntree Theatre over the years, and this weekend held a special screening of Eric Sykes and Tommy Cooper's The Plank for volunteers at Bell Farm Community Centre.

Kathy, whose husband was the society's projectionist, said the assistance from volunteers and other groups was essential.

She said: "Without York CVS, the Society could not have continued. It provided friendly expertise that enabled us to succeed. From advice, fundraising support and expert guidance to help with photocopying and volunteer recruitment, York CVS has supported us every step of the way. It’s why we’re delighted to be able to donate our remaining funds to support them to help other local charities flourish.

"We were far more than a film society, we were a family. All our members loved seeing the films, but it was about more than just the latest release, it offered real social benefits for many people who otherwise did not get out very often."