Stormtroopers, superheroes and wizards took over the city today as hundreds of people enjoyed the third Oxford Comic Con.

Around 1,000 fans - many dressed as comic book and movie characters - explored the festival at the Examinations Schools in High Street.

The costumed characters spilled out in the city centre posing for pictures with passersby on another glorious day.

One of the event's organisers, Leo Davidson, said: "It's been absolutely amazing, it's far surpassed every previous year we have done this.

"We have had a lot of returning people - both exhibitors and ticket holders - and some new visitors too.

"We have had nearly 1,000 through the doors, which is incredible, when we started we thought it would be about 100 people."

Star Wars actress Arti Shah, who worked as a motion capture double for the character Maz Kanata in  Star Wars The Force Awakens, was on hand to sign autographs and chat with fans.

She said: "It was my first time coming to Oxford Comic Con and it's been fantastic - I've met lots of wonderful people.

"There has been a lot of interest and plenty of questions about playing my character and how it all worked."

The 4ft model and motivational speaker explained that she filmed the CGI character's scenes a second time after voice and face actor Lupita Nyong'o had played her part.

She said: "JJ Abrams [the director] decided that because Maz is meant to be 1,000 years old we would wear a weight so she walked around with a limp.

"The character is the same height as me so I was able to advise on how she might move around - it was challenging to shoot but I like a challenge."

The Londoner, who was also a creature and droid puppeteer in Star Wars: The Last Jedi remained at the event and spent time with fans for the entire day.
Another exhibitor that fascinated fans was armourer Terry English, who has crafted armour for Hollywood films for more than 50 years.

Along with his colleague John Mason, the pair showed off their work and even had a spare suit of armour for visitors to try on.

Mr Mason said: "It's been great, the people visiting have been very respectful and interested and it's been wonderful to see so many people entertained by everything around them."

He said their exhibit was called 'what if they had all been women' and focused on armour for women throughout history - including the suit worn by actress Milla Jovovich in The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc.