BEAT that! The Evening Press's Save The York Odeon petition has raced past the 7,000-signature mark after a York store collected almost 600 names in less than a week.

Jacksons supermarket in Moorcroft Road, Woodthorpe, was one of 150 Press outlets across the city asked by the newspaper to back the campaign by making petition forms available for customers to sign.

The response was phenomenal, with a steady stream of customers coming up to the counter to put their names to the petition. "People feel quite strongly about it," said manager Sue Bainton. "Not everyone can get to Clifton Moor to go to the cinema."

She ran out of forms, but has now been given another batch in case any more customers want to sign up.

The Press launched its campaign last month after the Odeon's owners revealed they were assessing its economic viability. The petition calls for the cinema in Blossom Street - York's last traditional picture house - to stay open after a sensitive refurbishment.

Can any other shop equal or even beat Jacksons total? If your customers are throwing themselves behind the campaign, or if you need more forms, phone Mike Laycock or Matthew Woodcock on 01904 567132, or email matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk. Please return completed forms to the newspaper on our delivery vans, or post them to the address given on the forms.

Updated: 11:21 Tuesday, February 17, 2004