THE force was with Swindon’s Steam museum at the weekend as thousands flocked to the action-packed opening of its sci-fi exhibition.

More than 60 film characters entertained visitors, including Darth Vader, Spider-Man and laser-wielding storm troopers.

Star Wars actors were also on hand to sign autographs.

The museum welcomed 4,000 people over the weekend, around seven times more than usual.

Displays include original props and costumes from Star Wars, Terminator, Gremlins and Iron Man. The event was run in conjunction with Luke Skywalker, a Star Wars fan who has changed his surname by deed poll and runs Swindon-based Skywalker Promotions.

The museum is already planning to build on the exhibition’s opening success by hosting more such events in the future.

Commercial manager Ian Surtees said: “Visitors have particularly enjoyed the interaction with the famous faces and have been looking for the characters they like the most.

“We have movie characters in costumes but having the actual actors here has given it a different dimension.”

Stars included Rusty Goffe, who has appeared in films including Willy Wonka, Star Wars and Harry Potter over a career spanning 45 years.

“It’s fantastic being part of this event,” he said.

“It’s an unknown quantity putting a science fiction exhibition in a steam railway museum but it’s been brilliant.

“As a kid, I would have loved this museum and I still am in awe of it.”

The exhibition runs until May 20. Tickets are £5 for adults, £4 for children and free for under-threes. Family tickets are also available. For more, visit www.swindon.gov.uk/steam.