Cinema bosses are boosting the number of screens they have to fight off future competition from a new multiplex development.

Odeon, which has just taken over the ABC cinemas chain, is planning to convert its George Street, Oxford, site from three screens to six, and Magdalen Street from one screen to two.

The firm faces competition from a proposed multiplex at the proposed leisure development at Minchery Farm.

Oxford United chairman Firoz Kassam was recently given planning permission for the development next to the Minchery Farm stadium, where building work is re-starting.

Odeon spokesman Paola Dos Santos said: "By providing these extra screens in the city centre now, we will be able to give our customers a greater choice. We welcome competition but we should have a two-year head start on the multiplex and that will be extremely valuable."

The 2.5m Odeon scheme will mean customers benefiting from improved seating, the latest projection and sound technology, a wider choice of food and drink - and Oxford's own 'Barry Norman'.

Odeon bosses are planning to employ eight new members of staff. One of them will stand in the foyer and give film-goers on-the-spot reviews and advice about the latest releases.

The company, which now has 128 cinemas across the country, said work would start on the proposals as soon as planning permission had been granted. No changes are thought to be needed to the buildings' exteriors.

Developers Pentith applied for permission in 1994 to build a multiplex and bowling alley on Oxpens Road in 1994. A public inquiry was held after councillors turned the scheme down and in 1998, John Prescott, Secretary of State for Environment, confirmed the plans could not go ahead.