CHARACTERS from a galaxy far, far away invaded Torfaen on the weekend.

The force was strong with Cwmbran Centre shoppers on Saturday, as they were treated to a range of Star Wars characters from Darth Vader to Stormtroopers.

The family fun day - which was arranged by One Great Day - was in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital and Tŷ Hafan, the Welsh children’s hospice.

Shopper Maureen Jones said she was "shocked".

"I could not believe my eyes," said the 83-year-old.

"I remember the very first Star Wars film which starred Alec Guinness and Peter Cushing. My children and grandchildren love it.

"It was lovely to see the characters here."

Llanyrafon resident Pam James said her three-year-old son "loved" seeing Darth Vader.

"He was scared in the beginning," she said.

"But afterwards he was fine. It was a lot of fun."

Cwmbran Centre centre manager, Rikki Teml, said: “One Great Day is a highlight in our calendar and we were delighted to be able to offer our support to two fantastic charities, Ty Hafan and Great Ormond Street Hospital, which support patients and families from across the UK."

And Michal Noe, trustee of One Great Day, added: “We are thrilled to have Cwmbran Centre as one of 140 shopping centres taking part this year, helping so many children’s health charities across the country.

“This is the largest One Great Day yet, and we are proud that One Great Day is helping so many children’s health charities across the country.”