AN independent Amman Valley public hall has celebrated its ninetieth anniversary of entertaining the residents of Carmarthenshire.

Brynaman Public Hall and Cinema first opened its doors in the 1920's where weekly contributions were deducted from the miner’s’ wagers to build the hall and subsequently to run it.

The opening ceremony was held on May 15, 1926, and the cinema started showing silent films until the talkies came along in the 1930’s.

Chairman and former cinema manager Brian Harries, who has been involved with the cinema for over 50 years, began work as a projectionist in Cwmllynfell when he is just 15.

Brain said: “What myself and other committee members and trustees are most proud of is the fact we have kept this independent cinema open for 90 years without ever closing.

“We are open seven days a week and I hope it stays open for another 90 years.”

As part of the celebrations members of the public were invited to have a tour of the public hall and were also treated to nibbles.

Brain added: “In the morning we talked to S4C show Heno and in the afternoon we had a walk around the hall.

“Some people think it is just putting in a disc and pressing play but a lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes.

“Overall it was a brilliant day and everyone who attended enjoyed themselves.

“There was even a cake made into the shape of the cinema, which we all enjoyed.”

Member of Parliament Jonathan Edwards also attended the celebrations last Friday.

Mr Edwards said: “I was delighted to be invited to join in the ninetieth anniversary of the cinema. The longevity of the cinema is an incredible achievement in itself.

“The cinema has hugely modern facilities, and has made a seamless transition to the cinematic age with some of the most advanced technology in Wales and the UK.

“The cinema has some exciting plans for future development which I wholeheartedly support and for which I wish them every success.”

Over the decades, Brynaman Cinema has adapted from one screen to two screens and now even premieres new blockbusters and provides 3D screenings.

The cinema has also started silver screen sessions which takes place occasionally on Thursday mornings to allow elderly people watch up-to-date films without leaving the house in the dark evenings.

This Sunday, Ammanford Rotary Club and the Trustees of Brynaman Cinema are holding a special showing of the new blockbuster Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, where there will be prizes to be won for the beast fancy dress. A percentage of each ticket will be donated towards Amman Valley Hospital X-Ray Machine Appeal.

Also a midnight 3D screening of the movie is taking place at Brynaman Cinema this Thursday evening and the film will be shown daily in the cinema for the next two weeks.