THEY played a starring role in one of the biggest grossing films of all time.

But on Saturday night, 24 cast members from Star Wars received the recognition their talents have so richly deserved when they were presented with a Swindon Oscar.

The awards ceremony was part of a special event held at the Marriott Hotel which featured a dinner and auction, as well as the opportunity for fans to meet some of the stars of the cult movies.

Organiser of the event, Luke Skywalker, who changed his name from Luke Kaye 20 years ago, said: "It was the best ever night and everyone who attended had so much fun.

"We held the Swindon Oscars where children gave special awards out to their heroes for all their work on the films.

"We had 156 people there and we auctioned all kinds of stuff like a signed Darth Vader helmet, a piece of the Millennium Falcon and a Star Trooper helmet signed by all the original Star Troopers. We auctioned off one of Mark Hamill's lightsabers. There was loads of stuff and it was just a brilliant event."

The Oscars ceremony went down particularly well with Paul Blake, who played Greendo in the first ever Star Wars movie.

He said: "My brother has got a Bafta and he emailed me a photo of him with the Bafta saying I thought you were an actor, where's yours?' "But now I've got my Swindon Oscar I can email him a picture with me and my award and get my own back!

"I've had a great time in Swindon and the fans have been fantastic. English Star Wars fans tend to be particularly knowledgeable, but the Swindon fans are the best ones of all."

Christine Porteous, 47, of Shute Avenue, Watchfield, attended the dinner with her son George after winning the Advertiser's Star Wars competition.

"It was an amazing evening and we had Admiral Piett (Ken Colley) on our table," she said.

"George also presented an Oscar to Tim Dry (J'Quille the Whiphead/Mon Cal Officer in Episode VI). It was such a great night.

"I watched Star Wars when it first came out and George is now always watching the videos, but my favourite character has always been Han Solo."

Special night for Cameron

A YOUNG Star Wars fan, who suffers from a rare condition which attacks the muscles and bones, was given a special award on Saturday night.

Cameron Brock, of Greenmeadow Drive, Haydon Wick, was presented with a special achievement award at the convention for his bravery in living with Bruck Syndrome, a condition which has left him unable to walk.

The 14-year-old was handed the gong by Dave Prowse.

"I presented David Prowse with an Oscar and he gave me a special achievement award," said Cameron.

"It was a really good night and I had such a great time."

Cameron's mum Severine added: "It was a wonderful evening. We sat and had our starter with Dave Prowse and then we had our main course with Rusty Goffe, who played Jawa and was also one of the Oompa Loompas in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

"I must say a big thank you to Luke Skywalker for everything he did for Cameron, but also to Maggie Lowton, who is a volunteer for Kingfisher Volunteers.

"She put us in touch with Luke Skywalker and he came round dressed as Anakin Skywalker with a Storm Trooper to cheer Cameron up.

"She has been a tower of strength to me and has become Cameron's adopted nanny."