All the area’s cinemas are now shut. Many of us are spending more time at home even if we’re not self-isolating.

Some might turn to Netflix (which is reported to be going to reduce its streaming quality to ease the pressure off the internet), Sky or Amazon Prime.

Carlisle film fan Paul Donaldson has come up with his own home-grown entertainment streaming service.

From this Monday [March 23] Paul, who runs Carlisle Cult Cinema Club which normally hosts screenings at Harraby Community Theatre in the city, will hold a nightly event on Facebook starting at 9pm.

Along with wife Kerry, Paul will introduce a film that’s free to view on YouTube to everyone logged on to the club’s Facebook page. Paul explained: “It’s something I thought people might like - not everyone can afford Netflix or Sky and some of the films I’m gonna show don’t show up on TV much.

“Our first live stream will be 9pm on Monday night then, straight after our intro, we will post up the link for everyone to watch. I’m not naming films ‘til the intro to build a little mystery. It’s just a bit of fun that we hope people enjoy. We hope it will help with the boredom of being at home.

“I’ve been looking on YouTube and found lots of free films to watch so I thought we would do a live stream where we introduce the film, talk a bit about it then post up a YouTube link so people can watch it for free as most people now have YouTube on their TVs or their tablets, iPads and phones, so most people can watch something a bit different.

Carlisle Cult Cinema Club followers will know the kind of films that will be shown. Paul describes as “a lot of the stuff will be VHS fodder from the 1980s and ‘90s plus a few newer films I’ve found for free on YouTube. Some of the films have never had a release since the VHS days as well but there will be something for everyone.

“It’s just an alternative to the mainstream, bringing cinematic trash and treasures to the people of Cumbria via the power of the internet, trying something a bit different and, who knows, I want people to enjoy the madness and the films and maybe a few surprises - I’m not sure yet, we will have to see.”

Already he has had a great response on Facebook. Paul added: “We will see how this evolves. A lot of the stuff I have on original rental release so will be digging what I can out to show along with the intro. If people comment on the live stream we will answer as quickly as possible.”

The project will also help Paul and his family stay connected to the outside world. Paul himself has a low immune system and his daughter has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

“If I catch it, it could paralyse me again. It was a cold that put me in this position to start with.

“I became paralysed from the neck just over a year ago,” said Paul.

“But I’ve fought back and can now get to my feet but can only walk a few meters before the pain gets too much and have to sit down. I’m getting there slowly.

“Kerry has been brilliant looking after the two of us she is a superhero.

“This is another reason we thought the films would be a good idea, as there are other people stuck in their homes.”

Tune in on the Carlisle Cult Cinema Club Facebook page at 9pm on Monday.