Lightsabers were at the ready on Saturday as Darth Vader, Daleks and Stormtroopers invaded Corsham in a sci-fi day for people with disabilities.

Touch, try on and poke was the idea behind the sensory event, which had a range of tactile props and items for the visually impaired to study, including masks and a life-size Minion.

Feel The Force has been six years in the making for organiser Ady Davies, who got the idea from a similar group in Peterborough. He was also inspired by a friend who had a disability and wanted to make conventions more accessible for all.

He said: “We didn’t want it to be patronising and condescending, we wanted to break down boundaries and give them the chance and access that other people get.

“It was emotionally brilliant. We didn’t get the numbers that we wanted but the people who turned up made it worthwhile. A lot of work went into it and the people there were extremely happy and had a good time.

“As a learning trial it was brilliant. It gave us time to discuss future events and it’s too good to not try again.

“The event has stimulated more interest in other areas, which has made it a huge resounding success.”

One sci-fi fan at the event was three-year-old Tayen Gilbert, who is blind and suffers from neurofibromatosis. She made the trip with her family from Bridgwater to get some sci-fi action.

Mum Kali Gilbert said: “We thought the event was great. It was great for Tayen to be able to experience this in a safe and friendly environment. It’s also lovely for Tayen’s brothers to be able to join in and have just as much fun as their sister.

“Often such items are only to be ‘looked’ at so to make them tactile for children and adults is great. It’s so heart warming to see a child’s face light up when he meets his idol.”

See our picture gallery here: http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/picturegalleries/feel_the_force_day/