HOLLYWOOD film star Clive Owen has launched a public appeal to fund a major refurbishment at Harwich’s historic Electric Palace cinema.

The celebrity has been the 105-year-old cinema’s patron since 2006 and held the UK premiere of his new film The Conformation there.

The Electric Palace Trust, which runs and maintains the building, in King’s Quay Street, is hoping to raise £60,000 to put towards repairs and improvements worth about £700,000.

Mr Owen called on the people of Harwich to help protect the cinema and said it was “his pleasure” to launch the appeal.

“During the past year, the Electric Palace has continued to prosper,” he said.

“However, the building faces an uncertain future due to the problems of the age of the ceiling.

“It is likely that some strengthening will be necessary. We would need to seek grants to meet these costs.”

He added: “A full survey of the rest of the building was carried out by our architect, Shaun Soanes.

“The decision was made to seek a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“The directors also decided that it would be prudent to obtain the services of a professional grants project manager, Sarah Odell, of Spires Heritage.

“We have, with Sarah’s assistance, put together a package of repairs and improvements, which the Lottery Fund would fund.

“The result is that the value of the bid is around £700,000, of which we will have to contribute around ten per cent.

“We are tonight launching a public appeal to raise some £60,000 and it is my pleasure to formally start this appeal.

“All the net proceeds of this evening will start it.”

Colin Crawford, Electric Palace trustee, said it would know in September whether the Lottery Fund grant would be approved.

“A raffle run by the Café on the Pier has raised £651 and £1,900 was raised from this night alone, all going into the fund,” he added.

“Clive is very keen on the Electric Palace and has been for many years.

“These repairs will strengthen the ceiling of wh at is a 105-year-old building and make major improvements.