"THE worst distraction most cinema-goers endure is usually the crunching of popcorn or sweet wrappers.
But businessman Colin Hope last week faced a much bigger obstacle to his enjoyment of Stars Wars III: Revenge of the Sith ? which he watched to a background of drilling, sawing and hammering as he had both his knees replaced.
Fortunately the 65-year-old had much more than the Force to help him through the film after he was given a painkilling injection in his spine for the operation at Rotherham District General Hospital.
The option, which leaves patients conscious during surgery, is increasingly being taken up by patients as it can improve recovery times and reduces the risk of complications.
Most listen to music on headphones while surgical teams work around them.
But instead Mr Hope decided to watch the Star Wars epic on his portable DVD player."