VISITS to the big screen will no longer need to be a big deal for the thousands of Hampshire families affected by autism.

A Hampshire cinema is taking action to ensure autistic sufferers are no longer excluded from the visual delights of the full cinematic experience.

Harbour Lights Picturehouse, in Ocean Village, is launching monthly autism-friendly screenings in the hope of giving people on the autism spectrum the chance to enjoy the latest blockbuster films.

The special screenings, which have been welcomed by the Hampshire Autistic Society (HAS), will start next month with a free event.

Trials across in London with the National Autistic Society proved a success, with families, friends and carers feeling welcome, comfortable and relaxed in an environment that can otherwise seem quite traumatic.

During the special screenings low lights are left on inside the auditorium and the volume of the soundtrack is reduced.

Cinemagoers are also free to move around, make noise or take a break during the film if they need to, without ruining the experience for others.

The first feature film to be screened at the Harbour Lights cinema will be the Dreamworks animation Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa, on February 16, at 11am. It will then be followed by regular monthly screenings.

For more information about the launch call 023 8063 5335.