MEMBERS of the armed forces are being offered the chance to see the most talked-about film of the year for free.

The Steven Spielberg film War Horse, shot in part on Dartmoor and based on a book by Devon author Michael Morpurgo, receives its UK premiere this weekend and will be shown at Paignton's Apollo Cinema after that.

A screening at the Apollo on Thursday, January 12 will be exclusively for members of the Armed Forces who have registered with Tickets For Troops (www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk).

The initiative has come from film-makers Dreamworks and the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

In partnership with Apollo Cinemas, more than 600 troops and their families will be able to see ‘War Horse’ at Apollo Cinemas in Leamington Spa, Port Talbot, Burnley, Torbay, Fareham and Piccadilly Circus, the week before the movie goes on general release.

Nicole Oakley, Marketing Manager for Apollo Cinemas said: ““We are thrilled to be able to provide these exclusive screenings for members of our Armed Forces and reward and recognise them for all the great work they do on our behalf.”

Apollo Cinemas pledged their support for the charity ‘Tickets for Troops’ 7 months ago and regularly offer members of the Armed Forces up to 1,040 free tickets of selected films every week, Monday to Thursday, at all 14 of their UK cinemas.

These tickets are available on the Tickets for Troops website, www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk, to troops who are currently serving or who have been medically discharge since 2001.