EXCITING £5m plans for a new casino in Huddersfield were unveiled today.

Casino Red announced plans to revamp the historic former town centre Princess Cinema.

And the firm pledged to create more than 120 jobs with the new entertainment venue.

The Northumberland Street building has housed a nightclub and a restaurant in the days since it was a popular cinema.

Now architects from WDL, a Leeds-based design company, are drawing up plans to restore the building to its former glory.

Casino Red - which has specialised in online gaming - has planning permission and is now preparing a licensing application.

The firm hopes the casino will be open within 12 months.

The company also revealed yesterday that it is to be the new sponsor of Huddersfield Town.

Casino Red chief executive Nicholas Boyes-Hunter said: "We chose Huddersfield out of hundreds of possible towns and cities - but it was an easy decision.

"It is a vibrant town with a thriving social scene. We knew, on viewing the old cinema, that we could develop a spectacular site in a tremendous location."

The casino is expected to spread over all four floors of the building.

The basement will house a poker room and the ground floor will host blackjack, roulette and gaming machines.

A mezzanine circle featuring an 85-place restaurant and bar is planned for the first floor.

The top floor is expected to have a VIP section beneath the domed ceiling, which is to be restored with a chandelier.

Jonathan Truelove, who will manage the operation, said: "Huddersfield is a prosperous town and is one of the UK's largest boroughs.

"Everyone we have spoken to in the town has been hugely positive.

"We will provide a safe, responsible, friendly and controlled entertainment environment.

"People can dine and enjoy live entertainment without entering gaming areas.

"For customers who enjoy gaming we operate to exacting standards in the world's most highly-regulated and respected gaming industry."