The UK'slargest cinema chain, Odeon, has announced that they will be opening two new cinemas. Anew site in Medway, Kentand the acquisition of the Vue cinema in Basingstoke,Hampshire, sees Odeon now owning a total of 110 cinemas and 843 screensnationwide.

The Odeon cinema in Kentwill be a state-of-the-art nine-screen multiplex built on the site of the new Dickens'World theme park.The Basingstoke site is locatedin the area's popular family-oriented Leisure Park. The cinema was purchased by Odeonfollowing the Competition Commission's ruling in relation to Vue's purchase of Ster CenturyCinemas.

"'The collaborationwith Dickens' World in Medway and the purchase of the site in Basingstokeare testimony to Odeon's investment in UKcinema," said Roger Harris, Chief Operating Officer of Odeon Cinemas. "We aredelighted to have had the opportunity to obtain two such strong sites in theSouth East."