Visitors from a galaxy far, far away made an appearance at Colchester Hospital today.

East Anglian Daily Times: Staff from Colchesters childrens unit with Star Wars Stormtroopers. Picture: COLCHESTER HOSPITALStaff from Colchesters childrens unit with Star Wars Stormtroopers. Picture: COLCHESTER HOSPITAL (Image: Archant)

R2-CT, an X-Wing pilot, an Imperial Crew member and two Storm Troopers – from the iconic Star Wars franchise – took over the children’s unit to put smiles on faces. Members of Invasion Colchester - a charity that dresses as different fantasy characters, raising funds for Colchester Hospitals Charity (CoHoC) and St Helena Hospice - donned the outfits, posed for pictures with children, parents and staff, and handed out presents, including Star Wars posters and stationary from Colchester Odeon, as part of the memorable visit.

The charity has raised almost £12,000 for its chosen charities this year and Invasion Colchester Event Coordinator and Star Wars fanatic Kerrie Williams, wearing an Imperial Crew uniform, said: “It’s great to bring some smiles to the children’s faces and you can’t put a price on that.

“We have also made some new, amazing little friends too.”