A CHARITY screening of two iconic Elvis Presley films will take place at Wales’ oldest cinema in honour of a former volunteer, who died shortly before its grand re-opening in the summer.

Gwyn Pritchard, who managed the sweet shop at Brynmawr’s Market Hall Cinema, died earlier this year after a short battle with cancer.

In honour of the veteran volunteer, the 123-year-old picture house will be showing a cinematic double bill - Jailhouse Rock and Viva Las Vegas - on Sunday, October 8 to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

“Gwyn was totally passionate about our amazing cinema, he would always go above and beyond for customers and colleagues,” said Andrea Durban from the charity - Market Hall Cinema and Arts Trust - that runs the historic cinema.

“His tea making skills were legendary, customers have told us his tea was often better then the films.

“As Gwyn was such a massive Elvis fan, we thought it would be a fitting tribute to showing a double bill of Elvis’ most famous films, Jailhouse Rock and Viva Las Vegas.”

In November last year, the cinema was issued with a closure notice from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council over fears relating to asbestos-contaminated roof space.

The cinema, which is the only one in Blaenau Gwent, was given the all-clear in April and started to show films once more in May prior to an official opening attended by Michael Sheen in July.

Mr Pritchard died the day before the cinema re-opened its doors and the Elvis Extravaganza hopes to achieve a £1,000 target for the “beloved” and “missed” huge Elvis fan

“We hope to raise £1,000 to remember Gwyn and support a cause close to all our hearts.’ said Ralph Rice, the cinema manager.

“If Gwyn could have been with us, he would have no doubt been singing along to all the songs.”

The films are set to start at 2pm and entry will cost £7 for adults and £4.90 for children, students with an NUS card and seniors.

All profits from the screening will be donated to Cancer Research and for more information visit markethallcinema.co.uk or call 01495 301576.

The Market Hall Cinema will also be accepting donations for those unable to attend the double bill screening, which can be dropped off at the office.