FAMILIES hoping for a bit of respite from the hectic high street flocked to The Odeon in Taunton, to enjoy one of the Christmas blockbusters on offer.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the new Disney hit Frozen, and The Harry Hill Movie, were among the films being shown when the County Gazette paid a visit on Sunday (December 22).

Caitlin Jenkins, cinema manager at Odeon Taunton, said the second instalment of Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy had been particularly eagerly awaited by fans.

She said: “It has been hugely popular with it still selling out performances in its second week.

“It has proven to be busier then we had expected but this isn't surprising given its all-star cast many of whom are British.

“It is a very popular film for all ages but is proving most popular with families enjoying a Christmas treat.”