The UK’s second biggest cinema said higher admissions and ticket prices had sent box office revenues soaring so far this year.

Cineworld, which has 75 cinemas, posted a 19.1 per cent rise in box office revenues in the 17 weeks to April 23 in a “resilient” performance.

The firm told analysts that average ticket prices had risen at least seven per cent on last year with admissions around ten per cent ahead.

Cinemas are traditionally more resistant to recession than other leisure businesses, but potential blockbusters such as Star Trek and its investment in 3D screens left it confident over prospects this year.

As well as Star Trek – the 11th film in the long-running sci-fi franchise which has opened to strong reviews – Cineworld hopes to continue the momentum with forthcoming releases including Terminator: Salvation, Angels and Demons and Transformers 2 in the pipeline.

Cineworld has also been bolstered by its investment in digital projectors and 3D screens.

By May, 144 of its 774 screens will offer 3D, generating higher admission prices, while Cineworld could also branch into showing live sports or music events.

Chief executive Steve Wiener said: “The figures overall demonstrate the resilience of our business in the current economic and financial climate.

“With an attractive line up of film releases in the second half, we remain confident in the outlook for the year as a whole.”

Shares in the Chiswick-based business closed one per cent higher.