The success of smash hit movie BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY (2001) helped cinema attendances in Britain last month reach their highest levels for 26 years.

According to the CINEMA ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION, May 2001's admissions were up 2. 5 per cent on last year (00), reaching 11. 6 million.

This follows on from a similarly successful April. Much of the success is due to the release of MUMMY RETURNS, the (2001), which has already grossed almost $25 million (£18 million), and the popularity of Bridget Jones's Diary - Britain's most successful domestic film ever, having made over $51 million (£37 million).

Other successful films were MEXICAN, the (2001), CAPTAIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN (2001) and ALONG CAME A SPIDER (2001). And hopes are high that June will also prove a triumph - The Mummy Returns is continuing to bring in visitors, while PEARL HARBOR (2001) is also proving to be a big box office hit. (MCM/WNWCFU)

Source: WENN