OXFORD’S last independent cinema could be sold after its owners admitted running the screen had left them exhausted.

Philippa Farrow and Jane Derricott said they are considering putting the Ultimate Picture Palace on the market because of family commitments.

Last night Miss Farrow vowed to help keep the East Oxford cinema independent and said they hoped to find someone who will carry on their work.

The women – who have been friends for 15 years – bought the cinema in Jeune Street, off Cowley Road, in 2009 and have run it with a team of volunteers.

Miss Farrow said: “We are both very sorry we may have to sell the cinema because it has been so much fun.

“But we are both exhausted and have too much going on in our lives to dedicate the time and energy it deserves.

“If this was all we did then it would be brilliant, but it’s not. We haven’t placed it on the market yet, but we are seriously considering it.”

Miss Farrow said ticket sales had been strong over the past 18 months, with screenings regularly selling out.

As well as showing a mixture of current blockbusters and arthouse films, guests can also hire the cinema for a special occasion.

She added: “I believe it is the most authentic cinema in Britain and I think our time here has been very successful. “It has stayed true to its independent roots and we will certainly look to keep it that way if we sell it.

“We are lucky to have a fantastic team of volunteers running the cinema and the audiences are always brilliant.

“We will be very sad to leave, but it would be a great opportunity for someone who loves cinema and also has the time to step in and take over.”

Next month the iconic building will celebrate its 100th birthday.

The Oxford Picture Palace, as it was then known, opened on February 24, 1911, with seating for 400 people.

After it closed down after the First World War, the building was used as a furniture warehouse until the 1970s when radio presenter Bill Heine reopened it as the Penultimate Picture Palace.

It was taken over by squatters in 1994 before being reopened as the 185-seat Ultimate Picture Palace two years later.

A potential sale price is not known.

Erica Steinhauer is closing her Cowley Road store Bead Games in the next couple of weeks ahead of her retirement.

She said: “This is really sad news. They have done a great job there and I sincerely hope the cinema is not sold to a chain.

“If it were to be, it would mark yet another nail in the coffin of the Cowley Road. Venues like the picture palace are so important for the community.”

St Clements ward city councillor Nuala Young said: “It has been one of our hidden treasures for some time and is an important part of East Oxford. The cinema adds to the character to the area, as well as being a good resource for us.”