A group of science fiction enthusiasts have been praised for holding an out-of-this-world event which has helped raise more than �3,000 for charity.

Members of the Norwich Sci-Fi Club held their annual NOR-CON Science Fiction convention at the Holiday-Inn Norwich North, near Norwich Airport, last month in aid of three charities, including Ronald McDonald House which provides accommodation for families whose children are taken seriously ill and have to stay in hospital.

Almost 1500 people attended the sci-fi spectacular, which featured appearances from the likes of Robert Llewellyn from cult comedy Red Dwarf, Colin Baker, the sixth Doctor Who, and his assistant Nicola Bryant who played Perry Brown.

In total the event helped raise �3600 for charity with �1,200 going to each of the three good causes which also included the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston and Suffolk Help in Multiple Sclerosis (SHIMS).

Kevin Foley, representative for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), said: 'This is a fantastic amount of money and will help many families of seriously ill children. We would like say a huge thank you to the NOR-CON members and volunteers for their support.'

The event at the Holiday Inn on September 2 was the third ever convention and also featured the likes of Johnny Depp lookalike Melo Sparrow, Jeremy Bulloch, who played bounty hunter Boba Fett in the Star Wars saga, a number of Daleks and an R2D2 droid.

Sarah Owen, press officer for NOR-CON said: 'This year's event has been a fantastic success.

'We owe special thanks to all the celebrities from the world of science fiction who kindly donated their time to attend and made it such a unique and special day for the fans.

'We are now one of the best sci-fi events in East Anglia and have already started preparations for NOR-CON 2013.'