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The last weekend of October (27/28th) is Whitby's 'Goth weekend' - but they'll also be joined by people with an even darker side, as Star Wars characters such as Darth Vader prepare to invade.

Darth Vader and friends

Lord Vader (I'd better give him is proper title, I don't want to get on the wrong side of him) will be joined by Imperial Stormtroopers, Sandtroopers Bounty Hunters and even a young Anakin Skywalker.

They are all members of a group called the '501st UK Garrison' of Imperial Stormtroopers and they're becoming a familiar sight on the Goth weekend.

Stormtrooper Adam Field says whilst they hope to appeal to people's inner 'dark side', they'll actually be working for good causes as they raise money for charity.

Darth Vader on patrol

Whereas other members of the Garrison are travelling from all over the country to be in Whitby, Adam lives in the town. Although he won't have to travel far, when he's in character and got his costume on, his appearance is 'light years' away from what it usually is.

"It's a great weekend" says Adam "we get a brilliant reception from the people of Whitby, with hundreds of people - Goth, young and old alike - wanting to have their pictures taken with their film icons!"

He says they want to make a big impression this year, particularly with it being such a significant year.

Bounty hunter, Boushh

"This, the 30th anniversary (of the release of the first star wars film), will witness the largest Imperial invasion of Whitby to date."

They're raising money for charities such as the NSPCC, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a charity called MediCinema.

"It would be nice to think we could raise upwards of 拢1,000."

Members of the Garrison are immensely proud of the fact the 501st is the only group in the UK which is approved by Lucasfilm. All the costumes are 100% authentic.

Characters from all six Star Wars films, as well as others from computer games, will be on patrol around areas like the Shambles.