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It was one of the city’s great picture palaces, opening in 1932 and with seating for more than 1,500 people.

Now, however, the Carlton Cinema on Green Lane in Tuebrook is a sad shadow of its former self – as these evocative and haunting images show.

Taken by George Tooey, who specialises in capturing forgotten or unseen corners of the region, the photos provide a rare glimpse behind one of the most recognisable buildings in the area.

The ECHO featured some of his work earlier this week with images of hidden Liverpool including mysterious tunnels and underground streams.

Now, George, who lives in Runcorn, has opened his album featuring the Carlton.

The now disused cinema was at one time of the best in the city with its stylish cafe and Christie organ.

Bythe 1950s however, both had gone and opening hours were reduced. It became the ABC in 1962 and later underwent closure and reopening in the early 1970s after some reconstruction work which saw a bar and a single screen added.

It finally closed its doors for good in 1982.

So is George still on the look out for possible places to snap?

“I’m taking a break at the moment. It’s too cold in winter.”