YOUNGSTERS aged under 12 have a treat in store in Bexley this summer.

They will be among a select few who will be able to see one of the summer blockbuster films Spider-Man.

Cineworld in Bexleyheath, has successfully appealed to Bexley Council's licensing panel to change the film classification of the film from 12 to PG (Parental Guidance).

But children under 12 will only be able to see the film at Cineworld, if they are accompanied by someone aged over 18.

Cineworld's general manager Justina Nicholson told the panel that on the first Saturday the film was shown, the cinema had to refund 177 tickets to parents whose children were too young to see the film.

She described the violence in the film as "fantasy fighting" similar to cartoons on television. She said the film contained nothing not already seen in superhero films such as Superman and Batman.

The three councillors on the panel went to see the film for themselves before making their decision on the application.

When the British Board of Film Classification gave the film a 12 certificate, it described Spider-Man as "possibly the most violent film which is aimed at a young audience, that the BBFC has classified.

"The levels of violence make the film a borderline 15 rating and most certainly not suitable for a PG rating which would allow very young children to see the film."

But the councillors unanimously agreed to downgrade the rating, with a stipulation the cinema prominently displays notices warning "strong fantasy violence" and that no child aged under 12 will be admitted without an adult aged over 18.

The panel said: "We do not believe it to be harmful for children over the age of eight to watch, if accompanied by an adult.

"We would wish parents to be aware this film does contain some scenes which may not be suitable for very young children."

July 16, 2002 16:00