THE UCI Cinema in Huddersfield has been given a cash boost to help deaf film fans.

It is one of eight cinemas across the Yorkshire region now able to show subtitled screenings of the latest blockbuster films, thanks to the most up-to-date digital subtitling equipment, funded by the UK Film Council.

Research by RNID, the largest charity representing the 9m deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, shows that 5m people across Great Britain use subtitles regularly to enjoy programmes on TV.

The move by cinemas to improve access for deaf and hard of hearing people and comply with the provisions of the forthcoming Disability Discrimination Act, has been welcomed by the RNID.

Dr John Low, the charity's chief executive, said: "Deaf and hard of hearing people have been excluded from the enjoyment of mainstream cinema since the end of silent movies in the 1920s.

"With the final part of the Disability Discrimination Act coming into full force in October 2004, equal access is a crucial issue for all cinema operators."

For a complete list of which cinemas have received funding for this project from the UK Film Council, visit the website www.ukfilmcoun cil.org.uk