A CHESTER tourism official has welcomed moves to get the regional premiere of Casino Royale held at the Odeon.

Chester City Council tourism development officer Gerald Tattum has played a leading role in trying to get the James Bond franchise to open the film in the city.

Now North West Vision, which is handling the campaign, say they have been in talks with distributors and are close to sealing a deal to secure the first regional showing of Casino Royale starring Chester born Daniel Craig on his first outing as 007.

He said: 'As far as I know we have asked North West Vision to secure it for us and it said it would be in negotiations with BAFTA and Daniel Craig's agents.

'The Odeon has its 70th birthday this year and, with Daniel Craig born in Chester, it is a double reason to celebrate. If we get it, it will make Chester a very special place during November.'

Emma Well and from North West Vision said: 'We are still in talks with the company - head office is dealing with it and we are hoping to find out in the next couple of weeks.'