UK cinema chain Cineworld turned around 2006's losses for the first six months of the year to a healthy profit, and say the success of British films such as Hot Fuzz made an important contribution.

The London-based company recorded pre-tax profits of $10m (£5.1m), compared with a loss of $12m (£6m) a year ago. Revenues increased 4.1%to $260m (£135.7m).


British films supported strong blockbuster performances in a Summer which was further helped by poor weather.

The strong figures were also built on a sale and leaseback of cinema sites in Southampton and Swindon.