STAR Wars fans of all ages crowded into Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum to see a unique collection of memorabilia.

The exhibition was officially opened by mayor Allah Ditta at noon, and when he arrived at the venue in Foregate Street, he was surrounded by fully costumed stormtroopers.

The exhibition, May The Toys Be With You, has been put together by Matt Fox, a leading collector of Star Wars toys and posters.

He said: “So far, the show has been to ten museums, and at seven of them it has broken all attendance records.

"From what I've seen so far, it looks like being the same here."

Mr Fox first saw Star Wars in the cinema at the age of six.

He said: "It was the first film I had ever seen in the cinema and I loved it immediately."

Among Saturday's visitors was Carl Bayliss for Stourbridge, who writes for the Star Wars online forum Fantha Tracks.

He said: "It's the UK's biggest Star Wars fan website, so when I heard the exhibition was coming here, I had to be here for the first day."

As well as meeting the special visitors from a galaxy far, far away, those visiting the exhibition were the first to enjoy the many hands-on activities in the exhibition including the Millennium Falcon cockpit activity base, digital guides and sensory activity bags. Visitors are encouraged to come in their own Star Wars costumes.

The opening day event has been sponsored by the Worcestershire Ambassadors.