THE light side and the dark side came together in full force as a one-off on Saturday in the Market Place, to raise funds for the light side.

Stormtroopers, Jedis, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and even Darth Vader and Dark Troopers were in the same place and on the same side for once, all in the name of charity.

The Star Wars group behind the fundraiser, "5th Legion", were hoping to raise as much money as possible for the Breaking Barriers charity, which was chosen by the shopping centre.

Lee Rogers, better known as an "Imperial Officer" from the Galactic Empire's military, said: “We are big geeks at heart, and enjoy raising money.

“We have become friends as part of the 5th Legion.

The Bolton News: Star Wars characters in action. Credit: Pictures by Henry LisowskiStar Wars characters in action. Credit: Pictures by Henry Lisowski

“We are volunteers and give up our time for events, and it’s what we enjoy doing.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to dress up for a good cause and be geeks.

“Who doesn’t like it?”

Chewbacca also let out a "loud excited roar" in agreement for the cause.

Generic Jedi added: “We are here to fight evil as members of the empire, but for a good cause.

“We have done quite a few before and it’s really good fun.

“I like seeing the faces on the kids and the adults are big kids too.

 “Some of the adults even hold the light sabers.

“There are so many people across the ages.”

The team also set a challenge between themselves where they split off into small groups to see who could raise the most money by the end of the day.

The Bolton News: Star Wars characters in action. Credit: Pictures by Henry LisowskiStar Wars characters in action. Credit: Pictures by Henry Lisowski

Generic Jedi added: “The empire has been fighting against the rebels for a good cause with the collection to see who wins.”

They continued to entertain shoppers throughout the rest of the day with their props, and realistic costumes.

They have been a Star Wars costuming group for over four years, raising as much as £50,000 for various charities, including Manchester Children’s Hospital, Petal Cancer Research, Neave’s Fund, British Heart Foundation, Parkinson’s UK, Bury Hospice, Pendleside Hospice, 4X4 Mountain Rescue Team, The Firefighters Charity and more.

Originally starting off as five friends, they soon expanded the group, through their shared love of Star Wars, with the goal being to raise money for charity.

You may see the Star Wars troops at various Comic Con events and shopping centres fighting for the light side.