FILM fans are in for a novel Christmas treat at Tesco in Northwich this weekend to help get them in the mood for the festive season.

The car park at the Tesco store on Manchester Road is to be transformed into an American-styled drive-in movie venue on Sunday evening, December 11.

Colleagues at the store have chosen the ultimate seasonal film, the 1994 version of Miracle on 34th Street, to show on a large inflatable cinema screen.

The festive screening is free, as are the drinks and popcorn that store staff will be handing out to the cinema goers.

People are being advised to arrive at the car park from 5pm, and the film will start once the car park is filled.

The film goers will be able to listen to the film by tuning their car radios to a specific station, of which they will be told when they arrive.

Store manager Nathan Dowding said: “People love a movie at Christmas, especially this festive classic, and we can’t wait for our car park to be transformed into an outdoor cinema for the local community to enjoy.

“A trip to the cinema isn’t complete without popcorn and a drink to wash it down with.

“Luckily colleagues from the store will be handing this out to those people watching from the comfort of their own cars.”

The 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street was written and produced by John Hughes, and stars Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle, said to be the real Santa Claus.

He reluctantly takes on the role as Cole’s department store’s Santa Claus after the store’s Santa Claus is fired after he gets drunk before taking part in the Thanksgiving parade.

The original Miracle on 34th Street is a 1947 Christmas comedy drama, which takes place between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York, and focuses on the impact of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa.

The film has become a Christmas favourite.

The Tesco Northwich store is open 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.