Stuart Clarkson

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

INXS

Suicide Blonde

Listen Live Podcasts

Owner of Skipton cinema recognised in King's New Year Honours

Friday, 2 January 2026 08:31

Charles Morris

The proprietor of Skipton’s Plaza Cinema has been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours.

Charles Morris has been awarded an MBE for services to cinema in the north of England.

He is also the proprietor of the Picture House in Keighley and managing director of Northern Morris Associated Cinemas Ltd.

Mr Morris reopened the Picture House in Keighley in 1996 and went on to take over the Plaza Cinema on Sackville Street in Skipton two years later.

Alongside the cinemas in Skipton and Keighley, he also runs the Rex in Elland, the Cottage Road Cinema in Leeds and the Roxy in Ulverston.

Having worked in the MoD as an electronic engineer, Charles returned to his first love of cinema with the acquisition of his first site, the Victoria Hall in Settle, North Yorkshire in 1986.

All are much-loved local cinemas in communities that without Charles’ dedication would undoubtedly not enjoy local opportunities for cinema-going. Even now, in his mid-seventies, Charles is very much ‘hands-on’, booking films for each site and leading on the necessary maintenance and aspects of all aspects of each site.

Until around 18 months ago, he also operated the Royalty Cinema in Bowness-on-Windermere, which he ran for more than three decades.

Mr Morris said it was a great privilege to receive the award but added that it was bittersweet, as his late wife Judy, who he said was equally deserving, passed away just three months before the announcement.

He also highlighted the importance of continued public support for independent cinemas, noting that ongoing patronage is vital to keeping them operating.

More from Local news

Police appeal for information following quad bike burglary in Skipton

Police are appealing for information following a burglary and an attempted burglary involving quad bikes in the Skipton area.
Community come together over festive period in support of hospital patients

Airedale Hospital and Community Charity went above and beyond to bring festive cheer to patients, visitors and staff members across Airedale NHS Foundation Trust in 2025.
Cold start to New Year with health alert issued

The Met Office have warned of unsettled and wintry conditions as we head into the New Year, with a snow and ice warning issued and more likely to come.
Addingham road closed for two weeks

Yorkshire Water has informed Addingham residents about the next phase of work happening on Low Mill Lane in the village.
Santa Paws: Festive photo competition winner revealed

The winner of this year's Santa Paws photo competition with Tyler James Pet Supplies has been revealed.
Police ask witnesses to come forward after dog killed by vehicle

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a collision involving a dog near Settle.
Police appeal for information following burglary in Skipton

The incident is believed to have taken place near Cawder Lane in Skipton.
Festive tractor run raises £45,000 for charity

A festive convoy of more than 200 decorated tractors has raised more than £45,000 for charity after touring towns and villages across the Aire Valley.
Skipton's happiest town recognition sparks surge in housing enquiries

Bellway Homes has reported a significant increase in enquiries at its Skipton development following national recognition of the town as the UK’s happiest place to live.
Cross Hills estate agents donate over £800 to Airedale Hospital

Cross Hills-based Leightons Estate Agency has made a donation of £882 to Airedale Hospital and Community Charity.
MP’s Small Business Award winners crowned as local businesses “fight on”

The winners of local MP Robbie Moore’s 2025 Small Business Awards have been crowned after more than 2,500 votes were cast for over 200 small businesses across Keighley, Ilkley, Craven and the Worth Valley.
Christmas timetable revealed for Skipton trains

Train operator Northern has released a calendar to provide customers with a handy reference guide for service levels over the festive period.
Spanish airport operator acquires Leeds Bradford Airport in £270m deal

Spanish airport operator Aena has acquired a majority stake in Leeds Bradford Airport in a deal worth £270million.
Amended Christmas Bus and Train services in Skipton and Craven area

Bus and train services in the Skipton and Craven area will, as usual, be amended over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Skipton RFC scores £500 kit sponsorship with local opticians

An Opticians has announced its latest sponsorship deal with Skipton RFC.
Jack and the Beanstalk panto to be performed in Skipton

Same Difference Arts will present a family pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk at Skipton Town Hall later this month.
Number of primary school children being expelled a 'shocking indictment on society'

The number of primary school children as young as five being expelled due to their behaviour is a "shocking indictment on society", say councillors.
Steeton Court Clinches Victory in Annual Christmas Cake Competition

The spirit of festive competition and culinary excellence was on full display as Spellman Care successfully hosted its highly anticipated Annual Christmas Cake Competition for 2025.
Airedale NHS microbiology staff announce December strike

Microbiology workers at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust have announced plans to take industrial action later this month, citing concerns about pay and working conditions.
Patrolling street marshals return to Skipton for festive period

Skipton BID has announced that its fully funded Street Marshals will return to support welfare in the town over the busy festive period.