Star Wars extravaganza

From Stormtroopers to a gang or Ewoks and even the puppeteer of Jabba the Hut from the movies, they will be in Totton tomorrow for a sci-fi convention.

And while diehard Star Wars fans from across the county descend on the town for the chance to meet movie stars and pick up memorabilia, they will also help children fighting cancer in Southampton.

Every penny raised will be donated to the Daily Echo’s Every Step Appeal for CLIC Sargent, trying to raise £40,000 for families battling cancer.

Organiser Wayne Streak is hosting the event after the charity helped his family when son Logan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer aged nine months.

Logan, 6, has been in and out of Southampton General Hospital for chemotherapy but has been clear of treatment since January.

The mini convention is the first event staged by Wayne’s SO16 Troopers, a costume group he set up with his wife Carole to raise funds for charities.

It will give people the chance to handle movie props, try on costumes, win prizes in the raffle and even get the autographs of some of the actors involved in the films.

Wayne said: “We hope to raise a substantial amount of money for CLIC Sargent and it feels great to give something back to the charity that has offered so much over the years.”

The event is from 10am to 5pm at Empire Hall, Totton Conservative Club and Totton and Eling Community Centre. Entry is £3 for adults and £1.50 for children aged five and over. There is also an auction tonight at 7pm at Empire Hall.