Characters from science fiction classics made a guest appearance at the opening of a new museum last weekend.

Northumberland’s first Museum of Classic Sci-Fi opened in Allendale on Saturday, when more than 250 visitors saw stormtroopers parading the streets and local shops, and had a chance to meet Star Wars characters Chewbacca, Greedo and Kylo Ren.

Doctor Who actor John Levene, who played Sgt. Benton in an early series of the show, came dressed in his original costume to meet the visitors and performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the museum’s opening.

The museum currently has more than 100 original and reproduced science fiction props on display from television series such as Thunderbirds and Doctor Who and films such as Alien and Thor.

Museum owner Neil Cole said: “It was one of the best days of my life, and I’m still coming down from the success.

“The event attracted lots of different people, including local families from Allendale, who came to show their support, and sci-fi fans from across the UK, including the Doctor Who Collectors Club.

“One devoted fan even flew over from France just for the opening.”

Now that the museum is officially open to the public, Neil said his next priority was to keep the momentum going by holding regular cosplay events and hosting special guest appearances.

The Museum of Classic Sci-Fi, in Allendale Market Place, is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10am -5pm.