AN angry mother has attacked the policy of the town's cinema after her daughter had a can of pop and a bag of crisps confiscated when she went to watch a movie.

Twelve-year-old Samantha Martin went along with a pal to watch the film 'What a Girl Wants' at the Cineworld cinema.

Both girls took with them a bag of crisps and a drink. But the goodies were confiscated by staff because they were not bought from the 11-screen cinema's shop.

They then sat through the film without refreshments because they did not have enough pocket money to buy a drink from the cinema shop, where a small cup of fizzy pop costs £1.80. They were given the food back after the film.

Furious mother, Susan Martin, 43, from Rainhill, said: "My daughter didn't think there was anything wrong with this and was awful upset and in tears.

"Cineworld say if they see people taking in their own food they will confiscate it.

"But I've always taken my own and reckon nine out of 10 people do. Why don't they enforce this with everyone."

In a statement Cineworld defended their policy claiming "like any cinema" they stop the entry of food bought outside of their complexes not only to protect our own food operation but also their facilities.

The statement read: "Many guests insist on bringing in pizza, fried chicken, burgers, sticky buns, toffee, gum and soft gummy sweets that will quickly destroy our cinema environment.

"Any movie-goer who has sat on a pizza, sat through the munching of crisps, slipped on a chicken bone or watch a screen destroyed by sticky sweets can attest to the soundness of our policy

"A large portion of our costs are covered by our food sales. This helps keep box office prices down as we do not have to pay film distributors a percentage of this revenue.

"Although we do not actively advertise that outside food cannot be eaten on the premises, no food establishment should have to.

"We do have signs at the ticket check point that state our 'no outside food' policy.

"We carefully choose items that our customers request while avoiding those that may cause problems.

"Although we do not search every bag that enters our cinema to determine its potential damage, we do attempt to minimise the damage and protect our good business as well by not allowing guests to bring outside items into the auditorium.

"The customer may surrender the food for the duration of the film, finish it in the foyer area, or choose not to attend."

Samantha Martin (left) and pal Melissa Weallens show off the confiscated items.