Cineworld has delayed its reopening by about three weeks despite the easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

The cinema chain had originally planned to open its doors to moviegoers on July 10 - with cinemas allowed to reopen from Saturday (July 4). But it has delayed its reopening date to July 31.

It said it made the decision due to changes to film release dates.

In a statement posted on its website at 9.30am this morning, the firm said: "In line with recent changes to upcoming film release dates, we have made the decision to move our reopening date to 31st July. We hope that we will be able to reopen the doors of all Cineworld cinemas across the UK and Ireland at that time, subject to UK government restrictions. With the ongoing pandemic, this new date remains subject to final confirmation.

"We know how much you’ve been missing the cinema and we are excited to welcome you back to Cineworld soon! With great films ahead, including Mulan, Tenet, A Quiet Place Part II, Wonder Woman 1984 and many more, we can’t wait to be back."

Vue has said it will reopen cinemas from July 10.

Meanwhile, Showcase and Odeon will reopen some of its branches from Saturday.

Some of the safety measures to be implemented in cinemas when they reopen include extra cleaning, staggered film times, a focus on online booking and e-tickets, plastic screens at tills, a focus on contactless payments, and socially-distanced seating plans.