STORMTROOPERS took over Chelmsford city centre on Sunday, not to expand the evil Empire but to support a worthy cause.
The Imperial Guards from the Star Wars movies marched along Chelmsford High Street to help raise funds for the city's Kids Inspire charity which helps troubled children across Mid-Essex.
Live music from Beats Workin', dance classes by Dance Essex, a book sale and face-painting entertained the crowds.
Event organiser Nicola Lane said she hoped the event helped raise awareness and much needed funds for the charity.
"It's been a real fun day and the band has been brilliant," she said.
"Many of the children we help have suffered trauma, neglect or abuse and our aim is to help them through therapy, counselling and mentoring.
"It helps them become positive, valued members of their school and community. I think the need for Kids Inspire has definitely increased recently.
"The families that come to us are looking for that practical support that isn't always readily available."
Kids Inspire currently helps support over 200 individuals across the area but relies on donations for over 95 per cent of its funding.
On the day Andrew Wutton was on hand to ensure no one was blasted by the menacing stormtroopers from the 501st legion.
"We've had a really good response. The kids have loved it but we've also had a lot of dads getting excited and having their picture taken," he said.
At a neighbouring stand, free cake was dished out to passers-by to celebrate the re-launch of the Meadows Shopmobility charity under its new guise Getting Around, as it celebrates its tenth birthday.
The charity helps people of all ages, disabilities and conditions to have greater independence and can now boast a decade of helping others.
Chairman Ian Channing hopes the new branding will help to raise awareness of the organisation to those who need it.
"There is a huge demand to meet," he said. "Without a service like this people could be trapped in their houses. We want to show people it isn't solely for disabled people we can help anyone who is struggling to get around, be it temporarily or more long term."
To find out more about the charities visit their websites at www.kidsinspire.org.uk and www.gettingaround.org.uk.
