DORCHESTER'S new Odeon cinema will not be open tonight for a special preview screening because the building is not ready.

The cinema in Brewery Square was due to open its doors tonight for an exclusive preview screening of The Sapphires at 7.30pm.

The Dorset Echo carried a reader offer in today’s edition offering free tickets. This offer is now cancelled and people are requested not to attend the cinema this evening.

The cinema is due to open to the general public on Friday and a charity screening of the new James Bond film Skyfall, which is sold out, will go ahead as planned tomorrow night.

A spokesman for Odeon Cinemas said: “Due to delayed building works, unfortunately Odeon Dorchester is unable to open for tonight’s promotional screening of The Sapphires.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience and assure guests that the cinema will be opening on Friday as planned and a preview screening of The Sapphires will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

“During 7pm-7.30pm tonight a limited number of complimentary tickets will be offered to readers with the Dorset Echo voucher who arrive at the cinema unaware of the changes to the screening as compensation.”