GAMERS and comic book fans came together in their hundreds to join the Wantage's first ever Comic Con.

Fans of Star Wars, Doctor Who and Marvel were able to get up close to sci-fi actors such as Mark Everex Collett, a fighter pilot in Star Wars: The Force Awakens; Michael Henbury Ballan, an Ewok in Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi; and John Levene, aks Dr Who's assistant, Corp John Benton.

Enthusiasts were also privy to a sneak exclusive from sci-fi actor Matthew Dale, who has starred in many cult hits including Doctor Who's Robot of Sherwood and Bridget Jones's Diary, as he announced he would be starring in two roles in the new Star Wars movie: Rogue One.

He said: "I will be starring in a film that is coming out in the next few weeks, Star Wars.

"I have done four 14-hour days filming up at Pinewood Studios, but I have to keep very tight lipped about my roles.

"I am playing two roles and all I can say is look out for the tall guys.

"One of my roles I am in costume and the other I am not, it was just so much fun filming and I am so excited for its release."

Crowds poured into The Beacon, in Portway, dressed up in an array of colourful and life-like outfits including professional costume-player Kitty Brooker, originally from Oxford, who was on-hand signing autographs.

She said: "I go round the country as a 'cosplayer' and dress up in the different characters, for Wantage Comic Con I dressed as Deathwing from World of Warcraft.

"I also dress as Catwoman, The Joker and at the moment a favourite is Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad.

"I am originally from Oxford so it is quite nice coming back to visit for the convention.

"It has been really busy and there is a lot more stalls than I expected, the games room is also really great.

"It is great way to bring the community together and helps out local businesses too."

Elsewhere in the mish-mash of Marvel and more was a retro gaming room with visitors trying their luck in the Mario Kart competition and Abingdon Gaming Club ran two games in the Warhammer Room.

Plus a whole host of film memorabilia was on show at the popular convention including the Jaguar XKR Bond car from Die Another Day driven by actor Rick Yune.

It was the first time the event was staged in Wantage and follows a successful first Didcot Comic Con that was staged earlier this year.

It ran from 10am to 5pm on Sunday and was staged by Toy Planet Collectors of Wantage and Ray Collins.

Steve Taylor, of Toy Planet Collectors, said: "It has been busier than I thought it would be and has had great local support from the area.

"There has been lots of customers from my shop and its a way of saying thank you and putting something on for the community."

Wantage town mayor Steve Trinder added: "Its been a fantastic thing for Wantage and great to bring so many people into the town"