The Odyssey team are auctioning a number of exclusive prizes online to raise the final funds needed for the iconic cinema, including an once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a projectionist for the day.

The fundraising initiative, which runs for the next three weeks on crowdsourcing website Kickstarter, gives residents the chance to bid on anything from in-house movie posters at £15 to opening week table seats for £100.

After already raising over two million pounds, a final £40,000 is needed to purchase the main cinema screen that will be framed by an ornate gold proscenium arch.

For as little as £10 residents can contribute towards the restoration, which CEO of the Odyssey James Hannaway described as a worthwhile investment: “You will receive a Butch and Sundance certificate to treasure forever and oh yes, your cinema back on the London Road for even longer.

“Your £10 now will go towards making sure The Odyssey has not been a hopeless journey, but will be welcoming and is here to stay, where it belongs.”

The cinema is due to open this summer and the final interior work is currently being carried out. James, who owns the Rex cinema in Berkhamsted, explained: “Our Rex painters are in, putting the golden touches to the ceiling Michelangelo style.

“Not quite the Creation of Adam, but a fabulous creation of a very different kind, this is the delicate stage of playing paint against light. Choosing the correct ratio is crucial. It is the first decoration to be applied to the building for over 25 years.”

For more information visit the Kickstarter page at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1409513418/a-restoration-of-the-odyssey-cinema-st-albans