CHILDREN and adults came face to face with their favourite superheroes — everyone from Darth Vader to the Joker.

Sci-fi fans were greeted by Storm Troopers at Bolton Official Comic Con 2017 at the Holiday Inn today.

They enjoyed lightsaber training thanks to Star Wars’ Qui-Gon Jinn, aka Neo Williams, who works at No Exit in Bolton.

He said: “I had the costume made for me. The thing I like most about coming to these events is because you make children smile, they have their picture taken and go away happy.”

Tiegan Berry, aged 11, from Bolton, said: “My brother has been really excited about this and really liked meeting the Joker. I like dressing up.” 

Trekkies, from Manchester Starfleet, were raising money for research into Alzheimer's.

Neil Sandiford said: “I started watching Star Trek when I was nine and the franchise goes from strength to strength.

“I like Star Trek because I suppose it gives hope to humanity in the future.”

Mr Sandiford, aged 58, and his group brought with them replicas of Star Trek artefacts for visitors to hold and have their picture taken with.

Karen Jordan, from Bolton, brought her family as a surprise, much to her husband Paul and son Jake’s delight.

She said: “I have to be a fan because my husband and three sons like this – Captain America is my favourite.”