THE businesswoman who ensured cinema returned to Winchester has sold her company for £7m.

Romaine Hart was the driving force to see the silver screen come back to Winchester after a near-ten year absence.

Her company opened the 400-capacity The Screen in a converted military church in Southgate Street in 1996.

Now Ms Hart has sold Screen Cinemas to Everyman Media, a chain of boutique cinemas that aim to be a destination experience in their own right.

Everyman is backed by a consortium of deep-pocketed investors, including the entrepreneurs behind ASK pizza Sam and Adam Kay and the Lewis Trust, owners of River Island.

It was founded by entrepreneur Daniel Brock, who bought a rundown cinema in London in 2001 and converted it into a unique place where viewers watch films from leather seats and have drinks and snacks served before and at the end of films.

Mr Broch, chief executive of Everyman Media, said: "We're very excited about the cinema in Winchester because it's a great place and a great team down there."

He added online reservations and mobile ticketing would be among the immediate improvements his company would make but that it was too early to say anything about any longer term plans.

Ms Hart said: "We are confident that Daniel and his team will improve and enhance what we have created over the past 38 years, and with the benefit of new technology, will bring the business into the 21st century."

Maurice McGrave, membership secretary of Winchester Film Society, said: "Since 1976 Winchester Film Society has provided residents with the opportunity to see a range of films not usually available outside of London. It's our hope that we can continue to provide this facility into the future."