A cinema has been forced to “reluctantly” hike its £3.50 ticket price for the first time in 17 years due to spiralling overheads.

The Carlton Cinema in Westgate-on-Sea has retained its cheap pricing since 2007, but bosses say they now have no choice but to charge 50p more per person.

However, the business has had an “astounding” positive response to the rise, with customers even saying they think they should charge more.

Manager Joanne Holmes told KentOnline: “We’ve managed to keep the prices down thus far but we’re in a position where we really had to increase them.

“The cost of living has impacted everybody.

“Overheads have gone up, so it's reluctant but necessary, unfortunately.”

A full-price adult ticket will now cost £4 at the box office or £4.75 online. The latter includes a £1.25 booking fee.

Despite the change, The Carlton is still the cheapest cinema in east Kent when looking at a standard adult ticket.

On announcing the news on Facebook, The Carlton received more than 240 comments, and the manager of 11 years claims “not one person has said anything negative”.

The 43-year-old added: “It's been astounding really and overwhelmingly positive.

“Plenty of people said they wouldn't have minded an extra pound on the ticket or even more or have said they want to donate money to us.”

Some of the well-wishers have expressed their disbelief in the Thanet venue’s ability to keep prices so low for so long.

Describing how prices are kept down, Mrs Holmes, who watched her first film as a child at the cinema, said: “It’s because we have a lot of support.

“A lot of people come in and watch films with us which is fantastic and we've just managed to keep on going for that time with £3.50 and it's only now that we've reached a point where we can’t.”

Customers flocked to social media to praise the cinema and pass opinions on the price hike.

Kathryn Fitzgerald commented: “To be fair, that’s still an amazing price and your cinema is incredible compared to those more expensive.

“I’ve always gone to you guys since I was a kid as your staff are friendly and helpful so I will always come to you.”

Emma Cooper added: “This is a beautiful cinema and I don't know of anywhere that keeps their prices so affordable.

“It's a little treasure we are lucky to have.”

Another happy film fan, Gordon Clarkson, wrote: “It’s still excellent value, and I would always choose to see a film at the Carlton with its comfortable and pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff.”

Shane Waterman even went as far as to say: “That is still an amazing price.

“You ought to have a facility on your payment screen to pay more if you wish.

“I'd be happy dropping an extra fiver on any of our bookings - it'd still be a bargain even then.”

Mrs Holmes noted “it is a competitive market”, and keeping prices low at The Carlton allows “people who cannot afford bigger cinemas to enjoy films”.

“We have to make sure we try and stay competitive especially with the Vue being up the road as one of our main competitors.

“Choice is the best thing for a customer to have.”

The small cinema made headlines last year when celebrities such as Olivia Colman visited for the premier of Empire of Light.

The Carlton building was constructed in 1910 and was originally the town hall.

It has three screens, with number one - the biggest - boasting 326 seats and traditional curtains.