THE UK’s largest cinema operator said higher ticket prices had offset a decline in admissions in the first half of its financial year.

Cineworld, which has 79 cinemas and 811 screens, saw admissions fall by 0.8% – but box office revenues rose by 4.1% in the 26 weeks to June 28 as it bumped up prices.

Other income, which includes cinema advertising and sale of 3D glasses, plunged by 18.7%, while the cinema operator saw its market share dip to 24.7% from 24.9% in the period.

Cineworld said a strong film schedule including The Amazing Spiderman and The Hobbit should boost trade.