A WEST Cumbrian pensioner has visited a cinema for the first time in more than 50 years.

The last film that 81-year-old Rita saw at the cinema was Summer Holiday which famously features Cliff Richard driving a double decker bus... and appropriately enough it was a bus that took her back to the cinema for the first time in five decades.

The trip happened as part of a partnership between Stagecoach and Age UK West Cumbria, who linked up with the £4million Parkway cinema in Workington.

Times and Star: Two ladies enjoy their drinks in cinema cups inside the cinema.Two ladies enjoy their drinks in cinema cups inside the cinema. (Image: Supplied)

Passengers can now board either the number 30 or 300 Stagecoach bus at Workington every Tuesday morning, and travel the short distance to Dunmail Park.

Last week, Parkway Cinema treated everyone to a free lunch following their film ‘80 for Brady’ which starred Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Sally Field and Lily Tomlin.

Rita, 81, who lives in Seaton said: “I’ve not been to the cinema since the 1960s. For just £5 it’s a great deal and it gets me out of the house.

"It’s so easy to jump on the bus at Workington bus station, which is free with my bus pass and I’m at the cinema in ten minutes."

Times and Star: Lights camera action for the pensioner on their 'Grand day out'Lights camera action for the pensioner on their 'Grand day out' (Image: Supplied)

Age UK West Cumbria’s fundraising and outlook manager Jo Weeks explained why the idea came about: “This new and exciting collaboration with Stagecoach and Parkway Cinemas will bring people and local business together in a very enterprising way, creating a very positive and interactive social experience.”

Times and Star: The group kick back and relax in the new cinema The group kick back and relax in the new cinema (Image: Supplied)

Dan Moxon, general manager at the independent Parkway Cinema said: “The senior screens event has been a feature of Parkway for nearly two decades now and this is something the team at Workington are keen to build upon."

Edna, 88 years old from Seaton, hasn’t been out much on her own since becoming a widow.

She said: “It’s important that I get out and get involved in things like this which allow me to socialise and have a nice day out.

"I recommend the Stagecoach Grand Days Out to all older people especially if they live alone as it’s a great opportunity to meet new people, just by hopping on the bus using your free pass.”

Rob Jones, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire said: “Stagecoach are so pleased to have been able to support this venture and it’s wonderful to see that the cinema event is proving to be so popular."