SHOPPERS who visit Festival Place this weekend will be in for a shock when stormtroopers take over the centre - and it's all in aid of charity.

On Sunday February 11 the white suited space soldiers will be in the centre from 11am to 3pm on a mission to raise additional funds for the much-needed St Michael's Hospice.

St Michael’s Hospice is an independent charity based in Basingstoke, supporting people across North Hampshire who have a life-limiting illness, are facing the end of life or experiencing bereavement.

It costs £14,000 a day to run St Michael's and with one more day in the calendar this year, it is urging people to become a Leap Year Hero and help pay for an extra day of vital care.

Emily Palmer, head of marketing, said: “St Michael’s Hospice delivers care and support to so many people in our community and the idea that one extra day in the calendar can cost them that much is really eye-opening.

READ MORE: Basingstoke town centre will be illuminated over February half term

“We hope the Stormtroopers will bring some smiles on Sunday and ‘encourage’ people to dig deep for our much-loved hospice.”

For more information visit justgiving.com/campaign/leapyearhero24 to join the Leap Year Hero movement.