The dreaded Darth Vader, accompanied by an Imperial Stormtrooper were not, in fact, in a galaxy 'far far away' but were taking a look at the Forest's favourite newspaper in the centre of Lydney!

Complete with their laser blaster and light sabre, the Lord of the Sith and his colleague almost stopped the traffic as they paraded around town.

In fact, they are Sam Hawley as Darth Vader, and Matthew Reid as the stormtrooper, both of Lydney, who were promoting an event at the specialist sci-fi and memorabilia shop, Caligari & Verne, in Regents Arcade.

They are planning a major Star Wars event for next Monday, May the fourth, which is now International Star Wars Day.

The shop, which was opened four months ago by proprieter George Bearwood, will be hosting several characters from the Star Wars films.