THE people of Ayr were dealt a major blow when cinema giants Odeon confirmed they would be closing their local venue in May of last year.

It was yet another town centre closure and was set to leave a pretty gaping hole on Burns Statue Square.

However, in stepped Merlin Cinema, who announced just a couple of months later that they would be taking over the picture house.

They quickly got to work on opening only their second Scottish venue, to be known as Astoria Ayr.

After nearly seven months of hard work, the Astoria opened its doors at the end of March, just before the Easter weekend.

Ahead of this, owners Merlin told of their hopes of providing the people of Ayr with a cinema experience to remember.

I was invited along to watch a film in the following weeks and got to find out if they would deliver on this promise - and here's what I made of the experience...

To be honest, as someone who recently turned 24, I feel I very much fall into the 'Netflix generation' category.

Since primary school birthday parties, trips to the cinema have been few and far between for me.

However, I think my trip to Astoria reminded me exactly why you should make a 'night at the pictures' a more regular occurrence - particularly when there is one on your doorstep.

From the outset, the building itself is already showing signs that it has been taken over by people with a real passion for it.

Ayr Advertiser: I was invited along to the Astoria cinema in Ayr - and here is what I thought.

A new sign and a few planters outside may not seem like too much, but it's these small touches that have you looking forward to seeing what more there could be inside.

When I did step through the front doors, I was greeted by a bright and colourful foyer filled with all those wonderful cinema snacks that had my sweet tooth tingling.

Ayr Advertiser: I was invited along to the Astoria cinema in Ayr - and here is what I thought.

And as I stepped up to the till, I was greeted by four or five members of staff - all smiling and looking genuinely happy to be there.

It's a small detail, but they were all so happy to help in any way they could, and were an absolute credit to the cinema.

Honestly, I have worked in and been in so many environments like this, and finding a team like that is so rare nowadays.

Accompanied by my partner, we were taken to our seats in one of the smaller cinema rooms.

Ayr Advertiser: I was invited along to the Astoria cinema in Ayr - and here is what I thought.

It was a great environment. While huge screening rooms have their perks there was a general cosiness about it all.

That being said, it was still as spacious as I ever could have asked for.

I can't say that enough either. As I have told everyone I have met recently, and as I will now mention to you, I had knee surgery last month and have been a bit of a hermit of late.

Trips out the house have been few and far between, and this was my first for any great length of time since the operation.

It's safe to say I didn't regret it, despite having fears beforehand that I would need to walk (or, in reality, limp) out at some stage.

Ayr Advertiser: I was invited along to the Astoria cinema in Ayr - and here is what I thought.

Thankfully that wasn't required: I had plenty of leg room and was more than comfortable to sit and watch Wicked Little Letters in its entirety.

I should add the film itself did make me laugh a fair bit and was a welcome way to raise my spirits.

The facilities were fantastic too, and afterwards, despite needing the assistance of crutches, I even managed a trip to the toilet with relative ease.

I left the cinema with a smile on my face - which is no easy task. 

The general experience I had was fantastic from start to finish, and I certainly look forward to making another trip to Astoria.

Ayr Advertiser: I was invited along to the Astoria cinema in Ayr - and here is what I thought.

Best of all, particularly at this time when every penny is priceless, a standard ticket is only a fiver - less than half the price of most of the major cinema chains.

Having a cinema like the Astoria on your doorstep is an absolute treat, and certainly one that should not be be overlooked.

My only recommendation, other than that you try it for yourself, is that you should plan ahead if you intend to drive.

The cinema is certainly proving popular, and car parking spaces are few and far between, so I would advise giving plenty time in case you need to park elsewhere!

If you do plan on heading along for yourself, all you need to know can be found online at ayr.merlincinemas.co.uk/cinema-information.