A CINEMA owner has described his excitement as one of his venues will be the only one in the area to show the eagerly awaited 25th outing of James Bond as soon as it’s released at midnight.

After twenty-two months of delays, setbacks and cinema closures, Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond is hitting the big screen on Thursday.

No Time To Die takes place after the capture of villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, played by Christoph Waltz, when Bond and love interest Madeleine Swann, played by Lea Seydoux, ran off together at the end of 2015's Spectre.

It finds Bond after he has left active service, enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica, although it seems the couple are not guaranteed a happily ever after as he is enlisted to save a kidnapped scientist.

With treacherous twists and turns 007 finds himself, once again, trying to save the world from a mysterious villain who is armed with new, dangerous technology.

Cumbrian Bond fans will be able to catch the first showing at midnight at The Royalty Cinema, Bowness - the only cinema in the area showing the film the minute it’s released.

Owner Charles Morris, said the return of the film franchise signals the return of the big screen experience after a difficult period for the industry and said tickets were selling quickly.

“No Time to Die couldn’t come at a better time for Northern Morris Cinemas,” said Mr Morris, who also owns The Roxy in Ulverston.

“Following the pandemic audience figures have dropped, due to safety fears, streaming services and films going straight to on demand.

“The release of No Time to Die, directly to the theatres has seen a boost to our ticket numbers and we are thrilled and excited to welcome back those that have perhaps been a little hesitant, to the cinema experience with a fantastic film such as Bond.”

Craig, who first played the spy in 2006's Casino Royale, has always been adamant that this film, his fifth in the role, would be his last.

The 53-year-old has spent 15 years carrying the mantle of the darkest and most brooding Bond and is ready to hand over the keys to the Aston Martin to someone else.

The Royalty will show several screenings a day and times and tickets can be found at www.nm-cinemas.co.uk.