Star Wars fans were able to meet some of their heroes – and villains – from the latest film at Rollerworld in Colchester at the weekend.

East Anglian Daily Times: Invasion Colchester Star Wars Characters pose with Katelyn Simmonds, 7, Joseph Walmsley, 7, and Katie Cook, 8, at Roller World.Invasion Colchester Star Wars Characters pose with Katelyn Simmonds, 7, Joseph Walmsley, 7, and Katie Cook, 8, at Roller World.

A special event in aid of charity was held on Saturday between noon and 5pm off the back of the release of Episode VII: The Force Awakens, with characters like R2-D2, Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren present.

Events manager at Rollerworld, Joe Astell, said the event had been very popular.

“It was brilliant,” he said. “There must have been 600 people there. More than 500 is always a good day.

“All the kids loved to get photos. The fan-favourites were the Stormtroopers but there was a R2-D2 droid that the kids loved.”

Mr Astell said there was also a brief lightsaber battle between some of the characters and the session was a bit of a change for the centre as it usually runs evening events.

Money raised from the event, which is still being counted, will go to Invasion Colchester, a charity day later this year which supports Colchester Hospitals and St Helena Hospice.