THE FORCE was with hundreds of guests who attended Cineworld last night (Thursday) for a special screening of the hotly anticipated next episode in the Star Wars saga, The Last Jedi.

The film, which has garnered rave reviews, was shown in front of a 292-strong crowd of guests including local dignitaries and people who had won tickets to the special show.

Greeting the crowds at the event were members of the Island's official Star Wars group, the Isle of Wight Garrison, who appeared as characters from the movies including the scary villain, Darth Vader and Chewbacca the Wookie.

The event was staged by Island superfast broadband firm, Wightfibre, to raise funds for its nominated charity, UKSA.

As well as the show, there was a raffle and an auction with superb prizes including a chocolate R2D2 and a genuine storm trooper's helmet, which was sold for £400.

The grand total raised by the event was £4,548.10, 50 per cent higher than a similar event held when 'the Force Awakens' was released which raised just over £3,000.