SHOPPERS in Basingstoke will be transported to a galaxy far, far away when stormtroopers invade Festival Place as part of a charity collection this weekend.

People visiting Festival Place this weekend will be able to have their pictures taken with the Star Wars characters outside Debenhams and in the Summer Garden area of the centre, and the Ark Cancer Centre Charity will be encouraging customers to make a donation in return for having their picture taken.

The stormtroopers will be available for pictures between 11am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Mark Jones, director of fundraising and communications for Ark Cancer Centre Charity, said: “Ark Cancer Centre Charity is very grateful to the Festival Place team and the UK Garrison members for their support.

“This is a not-to-be-missed event for fans of Star Wars, and our volunteers will be on hand to receive any donations. Every pound counts towards our £5million fundraising target, so we are grateful for any contributions that are made.”