We are pleased to announce that our managing director, Charles Morris, has been awarded an MBE in the 2026 Honours List for “Services to cinema in the North of England”.

Charles developed a passion for cinema at a very young age after seeing Lady and the Tramp at his local cinema on the Wirral. Whilst still a child he became very involved behind the scenes and soon became a capable projectionist.

He initially pursued a career in engineering whilst maintaining his interest as a part-time projectionist, but his late wife encouraged him and actively participated in setting up a chain of cinemas, beginning with the Rex Elland in 1988. This was followed by the Royalty Bowness on Windermere in 1992, the Picture House Keighley in 1996 and the Plaza Skipton in 1998. In 2003 he reopened the ABC in Lancaster for three and a half years and in 2005 he saved the Cottage Road cinema from almost certain closure; likewise the Roxy Ulverston the following year.

Charles says he is honoured to receive the award and acknowledges the help and support he has had from his loyal staff over many years, but very much regrets that his wife Judy, who he says is equally deserving of it, missed the announcement by just three months.