A MEIRIONNYDD cinema has been saved after raising over £10,000 in just a matter of weeks.

Backed by Hollywood stars, the appeal to save CellB in Blaenau Ffestiniog has proved successful.

CellB, the former police station turned community centre in Blaenau Ffestiniog, had faced closure after an insurance claim to repair storm damage to the building was rejected.

Non-profit organisation Gwallgofiaid launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £10,000 to keep the centre open.

Among those who backed the campaign were Notting Hill and Twin Town star Rhys Ifans, who posted a video appeal urging people to donate to the fund, and Frost/Nixon and The Queen actor Michael Sheen.

Now Rhys Roberts, who runs the cinema, has announced enough money has been raised to save the unique picture house.

He said: “We’re buzzing to reach our target in such a short period of time and it goes to show that Wales has a strong community value, Sinema Blaenau is safe.

“Next steps - it will take over a week to receive the Crowdfunder funds and to oblige to our commitments.

It wont be a quick task and wont be able to start a new program until 2019.

“We are thoroughly looking forward to bring the cinema to the community once more with continued emphasis on children, young people and pensioners.”

The CellB centre was established in Blaenau Ffestiniog in 2011 and is home to the first cinema in Blaenau Ffestiniog since the 1950s.

The auditorium is also a performance space and a youth training location, and many of the original features from the old police station and the cells can be seen.

But, following a storm in 2017, a burst pipe went undetected and a claim for insurance was rejected, raising fears for the future of the centre.