Science fiction fans of all ages and from across the country descended on Norwich for a convention that hit international headlines last year.

Norwich Evening News: Brady Gillibrand meets his heroes at the Norwich Sci-Fi and Film Convention at the UEA.Photo by Simon Finlay.Brady Gillibrand meets his heroes at the Norwich Sci-Fi and Film Convention at the UEA.Photo by Simon Finlay. (Image: Archant Norfolk.)

Hundreds of people attended the fifth Norwich Sci-Fi and Film Convention today at the University of East Anglia, which included Jedi training sessions for children and attendances from a host of VIP guests.

Norwich Evening News: Star Wars training for children at the Norwich Sci-Fi and Film Convention at the UEA.Photo by Simon Finlay.Star Wars training for children at the Norwich Sci-Fi and Film Convention at the UEA.Photo by Simon Finlay. (Image: Archant Norfolk.)

Last year's event, organised by the Norwich Star Wars Club, resulted in the police being called after an altercation with Norwich Sci Fi Club after one of its members was refused entry.

Richard Walker, president of the Norwich Star Wars Club, said relations between the two clubs were now fine and around 1,500 had attended this year's family-friendly event.

'We are very pleased considering the weather. Because a new Star Wars film is being made, we think numbers will double next year,' he said.

A number of actors who have featured in science fiction movies and TV shows also attended for autograph signings, including Terry Molloy, Martin Ballantyne, Femi Taylor, Michael Henbury, Louise Jameson, Donna Africa, Tim Dry, Pam Rose and Caroline Blakiston.

More than 30 people braved the heat and dressed up as famous characters from Star Wars and other science fiction films and costumed groups from as far as Devon and Cornwall also attended.

An auction was also held to raise funds for Help for Heroes.