Meon Valley MP helps schoolboy take on cinema chain

A cinema chain has launched a new discount ticket for teenagers after a local schoolboy enlisted the help of Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery.

Nick Pearce, 15, from Bucketts Farm Close, Swanmore, visited the Apollo Cinema in Fareham and he was forced to pay the adult price of £8.20.

The Headboy at Swanmore College of Technology challenged the cost but was told that only under 14s receive a concession ticket and to get a student discount Nick would need a student card, which he didn't have as he is still at school.

George had recently visited the school, so Nick decided to write to his local MP about the issue.

George in turn contacted the cinema company to ask them about their pricing structure and in response it has now launched a Teen Ticket priced at £5.20 before 5pm and after 5pm it is £6.10.

"It was absolutely great that Nick contacted me about this issue that seemed very unfair to those at school - many who have very tight budgets," said George.

"Equally, I'm delighted that Apollo has responded to Nick's points and taken the common sense approach and launched this new ticket.

"This is a real case of young people power and Nick should be congratulated. Through his initiative, teenagers who go to Apollo cinemas across the country will now be saving money."