BATMAN, Star Wars and Doctor Who fans from Didcot and beyond will finally have the chance to unite at the town's first comic convention.

Avid comic book fan and comic book store owner Chris Wickham has planned the festival of fantasy because he said he wanted to bring the popular culture event to the town.

The 38-year-old who owns Advance Comix in Wantage, said: "This is something I have always wanted to do and I know there is a huge demand for it.

"I have only had my shop since February, but it is already so popular and I think a family event like Comic Con is just a great way to bring the community together.

"There are so many different branches to these conventions - most people think its just for comic book lovers but it really is a popular culture celebration."

Mr Wickham, whose favourite superhero is the Hulk, is hoping the event will attract several thousand visitors and will become a popular alternative to expensive London and Oxford conventions.

He said: "You pay so much when you go to London, especially when you include all the train fair you're looking at £250.

"We want to create a family event, where fans can come and enjoy their favourite comic book heroes or popular culture icons."

One of the highlights set to wow fans is a full-sized replica of Lightning McQueen, from the Disney and Pixar hit Cars.

The father-of-four added: "We're also expecting to have the R2D2 builders so hopefully there will be lots of life-sized R2D2s running around.

"There will also be cosplay characters which will have demonstrations, showing people how they can make their own costumes.

"We really want this to be an inclusive event which caters for all the different aspects which make a comic convention."

Twenty per cent of the profits made from the event will be donated to Oxford's Children's Hospital.

Mr Wickham added: "This event is all about the community - we want to give something back and what better way than to the children's hospital?"

But Mr Wickham hasn't been organising this event on his own: on his mission he has had help from Didcot resident Nicole Wilson, who has a collection of about 300 comics.

She said: "It is something the town and the whole of Oxfordshire needs as it has such a growing population.

"It is mental to think it is so close now. I think comic books have always been popular but people need an outlet to enjoy them."

The event will be held on June 18 at Didcot Civic Hall from 10am to 5pm.

For more information visit: advancecomix.com/