BRITAIN'S oldest continuously working cinema, the Phoenix in East Finchley, will be returned to its art deco glory thanks to a £6076,800 grant.

The Phoneix, in High Road, started life as the Picturedrome in 1910 and has been showing films ever since.

The grant, from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will help return the building to how it was in 1938 when it was renovated and renamed the Rex.

The building, which is Grade II listed, is seen as a functioning example of how cinema architectural styles have evolved over the past century.

The project will include a complete restoration of the art deco façade, repair work to the auditorium and the extension of the mezzanine floor above the foyer to reinstate a cafe.

The historic cinema has attracted the patronage of a number of stars of the British screen over the years, including Michael Palin and Maureen Lipman and directors Ken Loach and Mike Leigh.

Mr Palin said: “This is terrific news. As the years go by and the old cinemas fall by the wayside, the Phoenix has indeed lived up to its name.

“Now there's an exciting future ahead for one of the capital's oldest working cinemas.”

The Phoenix is the only historic cinema in London to have been awarded an HLF grant, though the trust that runs it still needs to raise a further £145,000 to meet its targets.

Sue Bowers, head of the HLF London region, said: “This project will return a gem of a cinema to its art deco glory underlining the faithful support it has received over the years from local people as well as a glittering array of celebrities.”

To make a donation go to phoenixcinema.co.uk.