'˜The force is strong with this one...' '“ Massive collection of Star Wars toys goes on display in Gosport

Dexter and Arlo Tipper try on some star war costumes. Picture: Keith Woodland

The May The Toys Be With You exhibition, which is now open at Gosport Gallery, features a sizeable hoard of toys and various pieces of merchandise related to the sci-fi saga.

The collection belongs to long-time Star Wars fan Matt Fox, and has been put on display for free in association with Hampshire Cultural Turst and mental health charity Solent Mind.

At the grand opening on Saturday, September 30, families and fans admired the array of mint condition action figures and rare movie posters, while children also got an opportunity to make lightsabers, Yoda ears and finger puppets.

The extensive collection is now on display at Gosport Gallery. Picture: Keith Woodland PPP-170930-203225006

45-year-old Matt started his collection when he was just five, soon after seeing Star Wars for the first time in 1978.

He said: ‘It was my first -ever cinema outing. That Christmas, I was bought a Darth Vader action figurine and that is where it all started. I fell in love with everything Star Wars and began my collection.’

May The Toys Be With You is now open in a galaxy not so far, far away, at Gosport Gallery until January 6. All money raised from the exhibition will be donated to Solent Mind.

All pictures by Keith Woodland. To buy copies of the images call photosales on 0330 123 0203 quoting 171263.