Movie giant Cineworld looks set to keep all its Suffolk sites open despite reports earlier this month that up to 25 closures could be on the cards.

The US parent of the company went into administration after the pandemic hit cinema audiences - and last year tried to sell its British and Irish cinemas.

No buyer came forward and a restructure plan was being drawn up. Earlier this month it was reported that up to 25 of its 128 sites could be closed.

There are three Cineworlds in Suffolk - in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill.

Now a company spokesman has said six cinemas will close - the nearest is that in Bedford - and has denied there are any plans to close a further 19.

The company has said it will be looking to re-negotiate the terms of some of its leases in a bid to cut costs.

Like other cinema companies Cineworld has struggled to win back audiences after the shock of the pandemic.

There have not been as many big-name films released and audiences became more used to watching relatively-new films on home streaming services during the lockdown.

Cineworld has, however, had a slightly more predictable income stream than some of its competitors because a significant proportion of its customers pay a monthly subscription for an Unlimited "season ticket."

The Empire Cinema chain went into administration and emerged as the new Omniplex group - and that put the future of Ipswich's other main cinema in the Buttermarket in doubt in March.

However that was saved after a last-minute deal was struck with its landlords that saw the screens stay open.