ONE of the country’s biggest cinema chains has defended its costings after the price of tickets were increased at its Hereford branch.

The Hereford Times reported in March how cinemagoers who visit the city’s new six-screen Odeon cinema, based on the Old Market, pay more than those visiting the nearest alternative venue in Worcester.

But prices have risen once again since then and Hereford is still much more expensive, despite being one of the lowest-paid areas in the region.

In Hereford, a family ticket during peak hours – Monday to Thursday from 5pm and all weekend – costs £33 if bought in the cinema and £36 if bought online.

In Worcester, the same peak ticket would set you back just £23 if bought in the venue and £26 if bought online.

Prices are also higher for child and adult tickets, with adults forking out £10.75 per peak ticket in Hereford, but £8.95 in Worcester.

A child’s ticket in Hereford costs £8.25 and in Worcester it comes in at £5.75. But there are also times when ticket prices are higher still, such as for new release films and 3D screenings.

An Odeon spokesman said: “Since 2014 we’ve been offering guests a wide choice of films and entertainment with a flexible pricing policy.

“So like many cinemas, theatres and leisure venues, our ticket prices vary depending on location, the type of entertainment we’re showing, seat type, time since release, the age of our guests and the number of people booking at one time - for example family tickets are cheaper than buying separately,” said the Odean spokesman.