FAMILIES had a bat-tastic time at the Mill Gate shopping centre.

Budding superheroes were able to spend time with their idols, Batman, Spider-Man and Captain America when Michael Keaton's iconic Batmobile pulled into town.

The roadworthy car is owned by Character Cars, based in Ascot, Berkshire and is hired out to similar events as well as weddings all over the country.

Mark Perkins, the company's director said: "It’s not the easiest of things to drive, we have two screens with small cameras because you sit so low to the ground it’s not like looking out of a normal windscreen.

"It’s got a top speed of 80mph but you don’t want to be going more than 40 because it rattles like anything. They’re built for showing off with really."

On the day, Spider-Man wowed the crowds with his acrobatics while they queued for a picture with the caped crusader and his motor.

Marie Gribben, Mill Gate manager, said it had been a fantastic event.

She said: "It was a really super day.

"It was great to see so many families come to Mill Gate to see the Batmobile and the caped crusader.

"There were lots of youngsters dressed up as their favourite superhero for the occasion.”

All pictures by Karen Hope.