A LONG time ago, in a garage not too far away, former Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Davies unpacked a box that has had sci-fi fans out in force on social media.

Last week the former England striker posted a picture on Twitter of an extensive collection of Star Wars toys he had brought out of storage.

But Davies admits he was quite unprepared for the response it would get from the general public.

“People went nuts,” he told The Bolton News. “I was getting offers all over the place from people who wanted to take them off my hands.

“I bought them about 10 years ago from eBay as a job lot and when I was cleaning up the other day I thought ‘might just bring them out for a little battle.’

“Now I’m starting to think I should have locked them away in a safe!”

The collection, which has been valued by some at around £3,000, includes a range of figures including the famous AT-AT Walkers from Star Wars, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Tie Fighters which were used by Darth Vader, and X-Wing Starfighters, best known for being the aircraft Luke Skywalker used to destroy the Death Star.

Demand for all things Star Wars is at a premium with the new film, The Force Awakens, due for release in America on December 18.

But Davies is unsure whether he will be selling on the items after growing quite attached to his new collection.

He said: “It brought back a few memories from childhood. They’re not all in great condition, but I’ve always said toys are for playing with, and if they are not being used then maybe I’ll move them on.

“We’re a bit in limbo with them at the moment. I haven’t quite decided if I want to keep them around and set up another battle.”