AN imaginative premiere at a popular Lake District cinema has seen it shortlisted alongside some of the year’s biggest blockbusters in a prestigious award.

Zeffirellis, in Ambleside, has been put forward in two categories in the national Screen Awards; Cinema of the Year and Premiere of the Year.

In May it hosted the premiere of Downhill, a film about four old school friends who reunite to attempt the epic coast to coast walk.

The premiere saw the cast, director and producer answer questions and live music from ‘To the Waters’ while many attendees turned up in attire fitting for the film with black ties and cocktail dresses mixing with walking boots and wellington boots.

The premiere of Downhill is up against the likes of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and X-Men: Days Of Future Past.

The winner will be announced at the The Brewery in London on October 23 and will bring together the industry's who's who for an evening of recognition and celebration.

Meanwhile, Zeffirellis’ sister restaurant Fellinis has also just been shortlisted in the Cheshire and Lancashire Life Food and Drink Awards 2014 in the category for Lakeland Dining Excellence.

Managing director Dorothy Smith said: “I’m truly delighted that both Zeffirellis and Fellinis have been nominated for awards. To be in the running against the ‘big’ boys is an incredible achievement.

“None of the recommendations would have been possible without the tremendous support and assistance of both teams at Zeffirellis and Fellinis.”