Chippenham's Reel Cinema is one of 42 across England to get a share of over £130,000 in government cash to keep them going.

It is one of 14 Reel Cinemas across to share £139,958 from the fund for cleaning supplies and PPE.

“With the cinema industry currently in peril, and all cinemas running at a loss, the grant will help bridge the gap to that loss of cash flow,” a cinema spokesman said.

“We have a range of Covid safety measures in place including masks, visors, Perspex till screens, sanitiser and most importantly our Zoono spray.

“This is a high-tech chemical sprayed on all the surfaces of the cinema which lasts for 30 days which will kill any Covid that touches it.

“This is really expensive kit that needs to be reapplied every 30 days and will use up the bulk of the funding.”

The cash is part of the first wave of funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – totalling £30m – to help cinemas survive the impact of Covid.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said: “We all enjoyed the escapism of a good film during lockdown, but nothing beats the experience of the big screen.

“This first wave of emergency funding will help dozens of independent cinemas around the country, preserving their unique character and history for future generations.

“Our Film and TV Restart Scheme will keep cameras rolling on British-made film and TV, protecting jobs, boosting this hugely important industry and giving us more great content to enjoy.

“We need the public to pay their part too, so I urge everyone to get booking your seats and support your local cinema.”

Cinemas can apply for safety grants to help independent venues meet the added costs of creating a safe and Covid-secure setting for staff and audiences, as well as Business Sustainability grants of up to £200,000 to help stabilise venues as they reopen.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “The UK’s cinemas and film and TV production industry are a key part of our culture.

"They provide thousands of jobs and help to entertain the nation.

“I’m delighted we can support independent cinemas through the Culture Recovery Fund and help to get productions up and running again through the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme, protecting vital jobs across the industry.”

The £30m pot, which will remain open for bids until October 30, is part of an overall £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund.