One of Britain's oldest surviving cinemas has had to replace all of its seating, because of our expanding 21st century waistlines.

The Malvern Cinema in Worcestershire is more than 100 years old, and is throwing out all 380 17 inch wide seats because British bums are getting bigger.

The venue, which opened in 1885, has had to reduce capacity by 40 to make way for the larger seats. An average woman's waistline has grown by 7 inches since 1951.

Bosses at the cinema say the refit is partly because of people getting larger, but also to keep customers comfy so it can compete with more modern multiplex theatres.

Old fashioned twin seats for couples are being kept in the upgrade Credit: Malvern Theatres

Latest figures from Public Health England show that more than two thirds of the UK population are classed as being overweight or obese.