Star Wars Stormtroopers battle with fans in Southsea during charity walk

A trio of Stormtroopers, clad in white armour and carrying '˜blasters', went head-to-head with Star Wars fanatic Harry Crackle, five, in an adorable tussle yesterday.

The youngster, armed with his trusty blue lightsaber, fought the warriors '“ who were on a quest to raise cash for Cancer Research UK '“ outside Eastney's Coffee Cup.

Speaking after his fight, Little Harry, of Southsea, said: '˜I love Star Wars and that was really fun. I really enjoyed it.'

His mum Kirsty was giggling throughout at her son's adorable antics.

The 41-year-old said: '˜Harry hasn't only just got into Star Wars and he loves it.

'˜We drove past and he looked at the window and said: 'Mummy, there are storm troopers, what are they doing out there?'.'

Harry was just one of the many children to greet the fundraisers as they walked along the promenade from the Coffee Cup to Clarence Pier.

Four characters took part in the charity walk, which raised more than £310.

The squad was led by Pompey Trooper, who wished to remain anonymous, as part of a series of fundraising events being staged across the area.

Speaking of the support on the day, Pompey Trooper said: '˜It's been brilliant. People always love seeing us '“ the kids especially.

'˜It's great to have this support. Everybody has been touched by cancer at some point in the life, so every bit of support we can give Cancer Research UK is fantastic.'

Natasha Smith and her mum Helen Smith made a special trip from their home in North End to see the fundraisers..

Star Wars fan Natasha, 23, said: '˜We were going to do the Pokémon Go community day in Portsmouth but when we saw this on Facebook we just had to come.

'˜The irony is I have only ever seen Stormtroopers twice. The first time I nearly got run over by the imperial march in Disney.

'˜It's still an experience when you see people dressed as Stormtroopers and it doesn't matter where you go. It's not every day you get to see people go to such extremes to raise money for charity and entertain people.'

Civil servant Helen, 56, added: '˜What they're doing it's brilliant. It's top shot.

'˜I think It's wonderful for the kids, I really do. But it's great for big kids like us - it helps me keep in touch with my inner 10-year-old.'

The squad had originally planned to walk from the Coffee Cup to Spice Island Inn in Old Portsmouth.

However, terrible weather and driving rain meant the called short their walk.

For a gallery of pictures, search '˜Pompey Trooper' on Facebook.

Pompey Trooper wished to thank fellow fundraisers, Trooperguys and Seantrooper for supporting the walk in costume.