TAKE a trip down memory lane with this footage of the Ritz theatre cinema in Birkenhead from 1949.

The footage, released by British Pathé, shows a 'Royal Film Performance' in aid of the Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund - a UK charity for cinema, television and film, helping the people who work behind the scenes.

Opening the event a number of fireworks are launched from the top of the Ritz on Conway Street while crowds of people wait to catch a glimpse of the famous movie stars as they arrive.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Birkenhead Mr and Mrs Griffith-Davies arrive first and are greeted by W Southan Morris who was managing director of S.M. Associated Cinemas.

Hollywood actor Ben Lyon and his actress wife Bebe Daniels also arrive at the theatre shortly before actor Gregory Peck and wife Greta Kukkonen step through the doors of the Ritz.

Other famous actors including Margaret Lockwood, Valerie Hobson, John McCallum, Christine Norden and Richard Todd also attended on the night.

There was a special showing of 1949 film, The Forsyte Saga (released as That Forsyte Woman in America) starring Greer Garson, Errol Flynn and Janet Leigh.

Then the audience was treated to performances from Nat Allen's orchestra alongside Wilson, Keppel and Betty who performed their famous sand dance.

Only 2,500 lucky ticket holders enjoyed this never-seen-before spectacle in Birkenhead.

At the time this was the biggest charity performance in the North and never before had there been a get together of such stars.