THE new Peter Rabbit movie has burrowed its way into the hearts of Lake District cinema-goers.

Beatrix Potter's beloved bunny - denim-clad and voiced by actor James Corden - hopped to the top of the UK box office charts, taking £7.2 million in three days.

Packed houses led to tears from disappointed youngsters at Kendal's Brewery cinema during the opening weekend. Gill Ducker, film marketing officer, told the Gazette: "Despite the Arctic weather conditions hundreds of children - many wearing rabbit ear headbands - and their parents queued impatiently to buy tickets.

"Three screenings each day were not enough to accommodate them all. They would have been happy to sit on the cinema floor if we'd let them. Many were disappointed - and there were tears, even though the children were promised many more screenings."

Across the UK. the slapstick comedy's mix of live action and CGI animation beat Tomb Raider into second place. Its takings of just over £3m were more than doubled by Peter Rabbit.

"It's the film of the moment," said Charles Morris, owner of Ulverston's Roxy cinema, and The Royalty in Bowness, where £2,900 was raised for two local charities at a special screening last Friday.

"I did wonder how the true-blue Beatrix Potter aficionados would react to it, but the atmosphere was electric. Over the weekend it played to full houses.

"Most people who come are happy with what they are getting. Those who have a particular regard for adherence to the books will probably think about whether they come or not, but those who are coming are enjoying it. I think it's going to have a long and successful run. It needs to be seen for what it is and not a strict adaptation of the books."

At Zeffirellis in Ambleside, general manager Stan Stanning added: "It's done very, very well; we are very pleased with it," and predicted a lengthy run through the Easter holidays.

Critics have given a mixed reaction to the Will Gluck-directed film, with the Daily Mail asking: "What have they done to our beloved bunny?" The Observer gave it 1/5, saying: "Beatrix Potter's children's books may have been out of copyright since 2014, but that's no excuse for this manure-scented take on her best-known tale."

And the Daily Telegraph's verdict was: "The new Peter Rabbit film could only really be improved with the addition of one thing: unfortunately, it's myxomatosis."

Some critics were kinder, however, and praised the "seamless" blend of live action and CGI. Another Daily Mail review gave 3/5 and said: "I heard the under-tens laughing merrily and maybe that should be the only test of a good children's film; not how far it diverges from the much-loved original book."

The Sunday Times - also 3/5 - suggested that "not all children yearn for faithful adaptations of ancient whimsy". And the Independent concluded: "In an era when so many animated features are so cloying, the slapstick, malice and offbeat humour here can't help but seem bracing and refreshing."