IT was a scene worthy of a film. In the Evening Press newsroom last night, reporters were dashing from phone to phone, frantically taking notes as information poured in from home and abroad.

This frenzied activity was provoked by yesterday's launch of our Save The York Odeon campaign. The Blossom Street cinema is being "assessed for its economic viability" - a doom-laden phrase if ever we heard one.

We believe that the cinema is too important culturally, historically and socially to be allowed to close. And now we know that many of you feel the same way.

Scores of people rang to register their support last night. Some were regular Odeon-goers whose leisure time would be seriously affected if the only mainstream movie-house in York city centre were to close.

Others had happy memories of earlier days at the Odeon. We even had calls from online readers in the United States, Germany and Australia, anxious that the cinema stayed open for future generations of York film fans.

Last night we reported on the troubled financial background to the Odeon group. No one would be surprised if the owners are exploring the economic potential of selling the York site to property developers, should the Grade II listing restrictions allow.

But that would be a real blow to the many York residents, young and old, who cannot get to the Clifton Moor multiplex.

Our campaign has already demonstrated massive public support for the York Odeon. It has passed this "assessment of economic viability" with flying colours.

The more people who voice their support, the more persuasive we will be. We urge everyone who cares about York's past and future to sign up. Together, our crusade to save the cinema can be a blockbusting success.

Updated: 11:53 Friday, January 16, 2004