SCI-FI fans and comic book afficionados were out in force at the third annual Wantage Comic Con.

The event, hosted by King Alfred's Academy, welcomed hundreds of festival goers to see talks with stars, take part in workshops and play retro video games.

Among the celebrities at this year's event, which took place today, was Oscar winner Ben Morris, who worked on visual effects for Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Harry Potter.

Actor Clem So, who has appeared in blockbuster films including Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars and Ready Player One, was also at the event.

Co-organiser and owner of local store The Toy Planet - Tom Popple, 38, praised the turnout for what he termed the 'biggest and best' event so far.

He said: "The Comic Con fits in really well with what we do as a business, we sell film memorabilia, collectables, that sort of thing, so it fits in well.

"Comic Con is something for the fans, they get a chance to meet some of the stars and of course it's something fun to do.

"I would not say there is anything unique about the Wantage Comic Con except for the fact that it is local, there isn't one in Oxford.

"This is the Wantage area, it is unique to our area."

Asked about future events and continuing to hold Wantage's very own Comic Con he said he hoped it would just keep getting bigger and better.

He said: "We hope to grow every year and to improve, and to get feedback from hosts and from customers.

"We are hoping to improve and make it bigger and better every year."

Asked what goes into the organisation of the event he said it was 'all consuming' but also 'rewarding' once everything comes together.

As well as the stalls and star signings at the event there was also an array of video game classics for gamers.

Film memorabilia also found its way into the school's grounds, including the iconic Delorean car from the Back to the Future series of movies.

Organisers also teamed up with Wantage charity Team Mikayla, with a portion of the ticket price going to the group.

The charity raises funds to provide wishes to children who have been diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia such as gifts for the ill child or a day out for the whole family. 

Charity trustee Rachel Pettifer was at the event raising funds and said: "It's nice to get the whole community involved and it's fun to see all these people here."

She added that the charity expected to raise hundreds of pounds from the Comic Con event this year.

The event is expected to return in 2020.