A CLASSIC film is being brought to life today with an event at a Weymouth attraction.

Stormtroopers, ewoks, Princess Leia and even Darth Vader are being spotted at Sandworld at Lodmoor Country Park as visitors crowd in to celebrate International Star Wars Day, May 4.

The date is a play on the Star Wars slogan 'May the Force Be With You.'

The sculptures at Sandworld have a sci-fi theme this year.

Two guests were on hand to add a special touch to the event.

Sculptor Brian Muir, who created the Darth Vader helmet, and actor Paul Blake, who played the alien Greedo in the film, are spending the day meeting people and signing autographs.

Co-founder of Sandworld David Hicks said: “It's a really exciting day for us.

“We have science fiction as our theme this year, and with the Star Wars sculptures, it seemed appropriate to celebrate the films today.”

Paul Blake, who lives in Dorchester and is father of the Paralympian star of the same name, said: “This is the first time I've seen these sculptures and I have to say they're pretty impressive.

“The guys in costume just look absolutely amazing, and I know they do a lot of work for charity, so it's good to be here supporting them.”

The characters are played by members of the Dorset Troopers re-enactment group, and a replica of a Stormtrooper helmet will be auctioned off at the end of the event to raise money for their chosen charity, Julia's House.

Brian Muir said: “I was here when they opened this year's sculptures and they look amazing, so I was only too pleased to come back.

“The crowds really seem to be enjoying themselves. I think the films always interest people, and with the news recently that new films are going to be made, there's that little bit of extra excitement to it.”

Visitors of all ages posed with the Star Wars characters and sand sculptures, many in fancy dress.

Chris Wadley, from Portland, brought his six-year-old son Billy to see the attraction.

He said: “I think it's a really lovely family day out and we came especially for Star Wars Day - May 4.

“It's great to be able to bring Billy to see something a bit creative and different.”

Billy added: “It's really exciting to be here. My favourite bit was when I got to talk to people dressed up as the Star Wars characters.”