Popcorn and blankets ready for outdoor films

A PACKED programme of sport, blockbuster movies and family films will be showing for free on a big screen in the city centre from the end of June and movie buffs can even have a say about what's on the bill.

- BARBARA HODGSON

NE1 Ltd, the business district improvement company which runs the annual Screen on the Green summer treat, has announced its return dates and this year there will be a competition too for people to nominate their favourite film to be included in the programme. The big screen will be set up in Old Eldon Square in the city centre where it will be in action from June 30, first with sport then the main programme will get under way from July 21 - coinciding with the start of the school summer holidays - with at least two films a day being shown up until August 31.

And extra treats will include free juice on special toddler screening days plus input from the nearby Tyneside Cinema which will be picking some of the programme. This time viewers themselves are also being invited to pick their favourite film and can submit their ideas online now.