A historic building in the West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield is set to be given a new lease of life.

A new casino has been granted a licence to turn Huddersfield's Princess Cinema into a new gambling establishment, which will make the most of the features of the building.

At a cost of £5 million, Casino Red will provide a Mecca which features five American roulette tables, five blackjack tables, 44 slot machines and a poker room.

Gerald Gouriet QC, representing Casino Red, told magistrates: "It's a sensational building. Much of the original features have been perfectly preserved and will be preserved when it's turned into a casino.

"It will also offer a choice which is currently absent in Huddersfield. There is a lack of choice at the moment, and as many people don't want to use the same casino every night they have to drive to Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield.

"The proposed casino is in a vibrant town centre location and as it's a Grade II listed building it will provide a distinctive format and setting."

Jonathan Truelove, chief operating officer of Casino Red, said of the new licence: "We're absolutely delighted with the decision.

"It's a fantastic building. It will be a real boost to Huddersfield and should also bring a lot of people into the town as it’s a great location next to the railway.

"It will be big competition to the other casinos, as it offers something completely different. It's such a unique building and as we plan to use many of its original features it will look so different to other casinos, which tend to look bland."

The main rival of the new venture is the Grosvenor Casino on St. Thomas road.

Its estimated that more than 120 jobs will be generated as Casino red undertake the audacious plan to turn the old cinema into a new gambling emporium.