This is why Stormtoopers will be marching along Portsmouth's coastline this weekend

Portsmouth residents should not fear if they cross paths with Stormtroopers on Saturday '“ for they are not fighting for the Galactic Empire, but raising cash for a good cause. 

A number of the characters will be strolling from Coffee Cup, in Eastney, to the Spice Island Inn in Old Portsmouth, and back again, from 11am. 

Led by the Pompey Trooper, who wishes to remain anonymous, the squad is on a mission collect funds for Cancer Research UK and is expected to feature other much-loved figures from the Star Wars films. 

They are set to stop to greet passers-by and collect donations at landmarks including Canoe Lake, South Parade Pier, Southsea Castle and the bandstand. 

The Pompey Trooper said: '˜A charity close to my heart is Cancer Research UK. At my age, I have experienced the heartache of losing family and friends to cancer and leukaemia.

'˜This is my chosen charity to troop for on Saturday and will be my choice when I troop solo.' 

He added: '˜I have enlisted the help of a few more Stormtroopers and other characters from the Star Wars franchise to help out on Saturday, and I plan on doing more fundraisers, in the future.' 

To learn more about the Pompey Trooper, visit his Facebook page at facebook.com/pompeytrooper