James Bond fans flocking in for Skyfall screening

More than 1,300 tickets were pre-booked for 17 screenings of the film at Telford's Odeon cinema, and an 8ft cutout of the film's star Daniel Craig was set up in the foyer to whet fans' appetites. The film has been released to mark the 50th anniversary of the James Bond series being launched.

More than 800 people have pre-booked tickets for the screenings between 7pm and 10.30pm with more than 200 booked in for the 8.30pm showing alone.

Among the most determined of Bond fans was 15-year-old Bethany Littley of Broseley, who broke her leg jumping over a wall on Monday but arrived at the cinema for today's first showing on crutches with her leg in plaster.

Bond fan Ian Smith, 44, from Trench, made sure he had a ticket booked for the first screening.

"The only time I come to the cinema is for James Bond. The last time I was here was in 2008 for Quantum of Solace.

"I always come the first day they are out going back about 20 to 30 years. It's just escapist entertainment.

"Craig is very good, I am a Sean Connery man, but Craig is better than the others, he looks the part."

Bob Nash, 57, from Priorslee, who is retired, said: "I have been a fan all my life and with it being the 50th anniversary I wanted to see it before anybody else can spoil it for me."

Mr Nash, who went to the screening with his partner Paula Draycott, said: "I saw my first Bond film, Thunderball, when I was 10 with my father.

Craig Gibbons, 34, from Oakengates, who works in the media booked a day off work to be there.

"I have seen them all. I am a big fan and have all the books. I wanted to see the first showing so I can tell everybody but I hope people don't ruin the ending."