A charity created to enhance the lives of disabled children and their families is the proud owner of a state-of-the-art cinema.

It was gifted to The Dorset Children’s Foundation by Together for Cinema, an AV (audio visual) industry good cause enterprise.

Together for Cinema’s main focus is to design and install home cinema rooms in children’s hospices and other suitable locations.

All its products and installation services are donated.

The Dorset Children’s Foundation cinema has been installed in its charity shop in Boscombe’s Sovereign Shopping Centre.

Patsy Hallmey, Co-Founder, said: “Having our very own cinema installed is wonderful and has opened up amazing opportunities for the families we support, who often are not able or are not comfortable accessing mainstream cinema.

“In many instances the cinema environment is just too noisy for a disabled child.

“Also having to sit still and not make noises to disturb others, for example, is not always possible.

“Having our own accessible and inclusive cinema means so much.

“We have purchased some large bean bags so wheelchair users can be hoisted out of their chairs and sit in comfort.

“The cinema experience will be part of our ‘Accessible for All’ programme of events and activities.

“It is a fantastic addition which won’t cost us anything to provide as it’s on our premises.

“We can also use the equipment in the shop for key messages, birthday parties, sing-a-longs, themed days and Polish and Ukrainian story time films to involve further members of our community.

“We can also arrange intimate family days for a special treat for disabled children, especially for those going through a hard time who may be able to forget their troubles for a moment.”

The cinema was installed by Poole-based Living Home Technology (LHT).

Luke Crutcher, pictured left, and his brother Wayne of LHT, said: “We can remember going to the cinema for the first time as kids.

“Having grown up to build cinemas for a living that magic clearly hasn’t gone away for us.

“It was such a special moment for each of us when we took our children to the cinema for the first time, but realising that this isn’t possible for families of children with serious medical conditions, we looked for a way to help.

“We really wanted to make a difference and help this local charity.

“We’ve loved being involved.

“Together For Cinema do such amazing work and it’s been an honour to contribute to their projects and bring joy to children who might not otherwise get the chance.”

Since Together for Cinema was founded by Ian Morrish in 2009, 34 projects valued at more than £827,000 have been completed.

• thedcf.org