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Britain’s biggest cinema chain has been blasted by church groups over its decision to screen films on Christmas Day.

The Odeon group has scheduled more than 120 flicks in 20 of its venues on December 25 - some of which will clash with services.

Church leaders have dubbed the move a “commercial” decision which will further damage traditional values.

Andrea Minichiello Williams, from the Church of England’s ruling body the General Synod, said: “The stillness of Christmas Day in our country is one of the last reminders of our great Christian heritage.

(Image: Jason Alden/REX/Shutterstock)

“It is a day when, together with family and loved ones, we remember something greater than ourselves - the birth of Jesus Christ with his message of salvation, hope, peace and goodwill that is for us all. Do we want to ruin this?”

Large stores are banned from operating on Christmas Day under the Trading Act 2004, but cinemas do not face the same restrictions.

Films showing on December 25 include sci-fi movies Passengers and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Odeon says its cinemas will only open on Christmas Day if the team in each cinema elects to do so, and that it pays staff extra for volunteering to work on Christmas and provides them with free transport.

An Odeon spokesperson said: “Watching a film together is a popular activity on Christmas Day, and we are opening 20 of our 121 cinemas including Leicester, Manchester Printworks and Leeds Bradford to show a selection of Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters.

"Alongside many other businesses in the hospitality industry, we are happy to be open in areas where there is both demand from guests, and willingness from colleagues who have volunteered to work."