A cinema which was destroyed in a fire will rise from the ashes and be "rebuilt to its former glory".

Scott Cinemas fully intends to resurrect the Regent cinema in Lyme Regis, which was destroyed on Tuesday, and will reopen the listed art deco building "as soon as possible".

Locals and visitors to the town have offered messages of praise for the cinema and the company has thanked the town for the "overwhelming" support.

A statement from the company said: "Naturally, Scott Cinemas are saddened by the loss of this wonderful example of art deco architecture, especially after our recent completion of extensive refurbishment, and the loss of the cinema facility to the town of Lyme Regis.

"We also apologise for the disruption to the town that this event caused, but thank the townsfolk for the overwhelming and touching messages of support we have received. "We would also like to take this moment to thank Dorset Fire and Rescue and other emergency services who did everything possible.

"We are fully confident that this loss of the cinema facility will be temporary, and that the Regent will be rebuilt to its former glory. As a listed building it was insured with this requirement in mind."

Speaking after the fire, deputy and acting manager Dom Boull, said: "Myself and everybody at Scott Cinemas are devastated at the news at the Regent cinema.

"No one was hurt thankfully. Thank you very much to all our amazing local and distant customers who were there and for all the kind words that have been said in person and posted on social media. It really dose mean a lot to me.

"The cinema will be re-built and will be back open as soon as possible. The Regent lives on."

Cllr Brian Larcombe hoped the "special place" would be rebuilt after the fire.

He said: "It is unbelievable that it has gone. Holidaymakers expect a cinema in a resort and I think it will have quite an impact.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

"It is such a special place to residents and families. Hopefully it can be rebuilt as the town isn't the same without it. I think people will rally round for the Lyme pictures."

Local resident Rosemary Bowler added: "It is a fabulous cinema and I cannot believe what has happened.

"They have just had a major refurbishment and it's a beautiful art-deco building.

"The cinema is central to the town and is well used."

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service reinspected the site on Thursday and then closed the incident. They tweeted: