Two movies being shown at the David Lean Cinema over the Christmas period will be free entry – with cinema-goers being asked to donate the cost of their ticket to a very deserving local cause instead.

The Save the David Lean Cinema Campaign’s latest newsletter explains: “We normally have a couple of afternoon shows between Christmas and New Year. This year in no different, with a screening of the new Japanese animé Mirai on Thursday December 27, and the delightful Karen Blixen story Babette’s Feast on Friday December 28, both at 2.30pm.

“In the spirit of the festive season, these screenings will be free, with patrons being asked to give a voluntary donation of cash or provisions to our selected charities, which will be Purley Food Hub and the Croydon Refugee Day Centre.

“You will still need to book for these two screenings, and bookings will be limited to four tickets per person. We hope to have a representative from both charities on the day to talk about the work they do – and encourage you to be generous!”

The Croydon Refugee Day Centre, which is based at West Croydon Baptist Church, has asked for cash donations. Purley Food Hub, organised by churches in Purley and Kenley and operates a food bank, has asked for provisions or cash. The David Lean Cinema campaigners will publish a list of preferred provisions nearer the date.

• Click here for the David Lean Cinema screenings in November
• And for the December programme at the David Lean Cinema, click here
• All screenings at the David Lean Cinema are listed on the Inside Croydon Events page, here

• Tickets for David Lean Cinema screenings are usually £8.50. Concessions (Freedom Pass-holders, full-time students, claimants and disabled) £7. Rush tickets may also be available for under-25s.

• Bookings for all the screenings at the David Lean Cinema can be made by clicking here