A STAR Wars icon was the special guest at a prestigious charity event held at the Village Hotel in Warrington.

Dave Prowse, who played Darth Vader, gave a speech in front of more than 70 people about his role in the George Lucas opus, training Christopher Reeve for the role of Superman and being the Green Cross Code man.

The evening was in aid of spinal injury charity Walkoncemore and was organised by James McKune.

He said: "I am paralysed from the chest down due to a motorcycle accident in the summer of 2006 and I believe that a cure will only ever be found for spinal injuries if we fight and work to fund the scientists and their research through events such as this."

The night also featured entertainment from compere Alan Bennett, comedian Gary Skyner and Rat Pack singer Robert Paul as well as special guest appearances from Wigan Athletic's Andreas Granqvist and new signing Erik Edman.