The Jesus Army are inviting people to view their plans for the former Cannon cinema in Northampton.

They want to turn it into a worship centre.

People in Northampton will this weekend have their first proper chance to look inside the former Cannon Cinema, seven years after the last film was shown.

The Jesus Army bought the 1930s cinema for £1 million in 2000 with the intention of converting it into a worship centre.

Most of the interior of the Grade II listed building is still run-down. Art deco fittings and decoration need urgent renovation. The building - which once hosted a Beatles concert - is well past its former glory.

The Jesus Army say they will spend another £2 million doing up the building.

Their plans include a 'one-stop shop for worship, friendship and care'. There will be facilities for homeless people, training rooms, conference space, a cafe and a worship centre.

They are working with English Heritage to make sure art deco features are retained and restored. Building work is due to start around August and will take up to 12 months.

John Campbell from the Jesus Army said: "The centre is going to be aimed at providing help for a wide range of people without any precondition. Anyone is welcome. The aim is not just to do things like showers and meals but to do the kind of training which people need: job applications, literacy, numeracy, money skills and so on."

Members of the public can view the plans, and the building, on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon.

Source: BBC Northampton News