FILM lovers can get excited as a popular Essex shopping village will be bringing an open-air cinema to its site during the summer for the first time.

Braintree Village will be running the outdoor cinema, beginning on Tuesday, August 20.

The Summer Cinema, located close to the village's North Car Park, will host up to three movies a day for ten days, including over the August Bank Holiday weekend, finishing on August 29.

This temporary cinema can host 300 guests and will screen a variety of films, including a family-friendly option each day, all shown at this purpose-built open-air cinema.

Centre director of Braintree Village, Josef O'Sullivan, shared his enthusiasm for the attraction.

He said: "We are incredibly excited to announce the arrival of our Summer Cinema this August.

"This spectacular addition is completely new for Braintree Village and brings a different and more experiential dimension to our offering for guests."

The new venture marks a first for Braintree Village as they continue to develop and offer family-friendly activities throughout the year.

The outdoor cinema will be located where the popular festive ice rink was during the Christmas period.

The 1,500 square-metre rink, which again was the first of its kind at the site, enjoyed more than an eight-week stint which started back in November.

Mr O’Sullivan said the rink was a "huge success" over the festive season.

“We saw a variety of groups enjoying the rink, from an after-school treat for families, an evening out with friends, or a spontaneous activity following a day of Christmas shopping, he said.

Mr O’Sullivan has also hinted the rink could return in future.

Bosses say film titles, timings and ticket details for the new open-air cinema at Braintree Village will be announced soon.

For more information about the Summer Cinema or Braintree Village itself, visit braintree-village.com.