THE force was strong for UKSA when WightFibre presented a cheque for £4,548.

The money was raised at a charity premiere of Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi at Cineworld, Newport, and auction.

A capacity audience of 292 guests and competition winners enjoyed the special screening, a VIP reception and a chance to rub shoulders with Darth Vader, Chewbacca and stormtroopers.

The auction, conducted by Rex Gully of HRD Auction Rooms, raised £2,200 of the total, from auction lots that included a replica stormtrooper helmet, original film cells from The Empire Strikes Back and VIP tickets to the Isle of Wight Festival.

UKSA will use the funds on its Test the Water programme, which offers Year 6 children from across the Island the opportunity to spend half a day at UKSA, taking part in a sailing or watersports session.

Ben Willows, UKSA chief executive, said: "We are so lucky to have the support of WightFibre to help us keep running this fantastic programme and to continue to make a real difference to young people on the Isle of Wight.

"We have worked with WightFibre for many years and they provide us with a huge amount of support."

John Irvine, WightFibre chief executive, said: "It was a great evening, very well attended, something unique and fun that allows us to give back to the Island community, support the important work of UKSA, and in turn help children from across the Island."