Skipton’s Plaza Cinema is going “super 3D”.

As part of a major investment, the cinema will be screening Shrek Forever After in 3D next Saturday, June 26 – a week before it goes on general release.

The Dreamworks film, featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy, will be the first at the Plaza to be given the 3D treatment.

It will also mean that a special advance charity showing of Disney’s Toy Story 3 will be shown in 3D too.

The animated film – expected to be the other summer hit – is to be shown in Skipton on Friday July 16 – a week before it reaches all other cinemas.

Tickets are on sale for the screening, which is in memory of Reg Vaux, from Threshfield, who died aged 78 in February from mesothelioma.

Mr Vaux had worked all his life in the film industry and the screening has been organised by his widow, Dorothy, to raise money for research into the disease.

Hot on the heels of Shrek Forever After and Toy Story 3 will be Cats And Dogs and The Last Airbender – also in 3D. Cinema boss Charles Morris said the introduction of 3D technology was part of a major investment.

New central heating was installed in October, followed by a new screen, with the 3D upgrade scheduled in the next few days.

“We have been watching the emergence of 3D for some while and have been assessing the various systems on offer,” he said. “We are now making a considerable investment to bring the new technology to Craven.”

Mr Morris said 3D was now a completely different experience. “With digital technology, the image is streets ahead in terms of brightness, definition and the overall effect, and the film-makers have matured too,” he said.

The special showing of Toy Story 3D on July 16 costs £12 and will include refreshments. It is expected to be attended by a number of celebrities. There will be a raffle on the night with items donated by local traders and the Disney company.

All proceeds will go to the Reg Vaux Snowdrop Memorial Fund.

Tickets can be booked at the website nm-cinemas.co.uk