TENS of thousands of comic book enthusiasts descended on Southampton during the Bank Holiday Weekend for an animation extravaganza.

Fans of all ages flocked to Southampton Comic Convention as WestQuay shopping centre was transformed into a shrine to superheroes and villains from the past and present.

Sci fi legend Dr Who, a Ghostbuster, and Rafael the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle were among the fantasy characters welcoming  the throng of families to the three day event while Holly from Red Dwarf – actor and comedian Norman Lovett – appeared in the flesh.

Visitors – some who arrived in fancy dress –browsed through a series of bustling stalls featuring limited edition models and collectables including figurines, comics and books.

People also pose for photos with their idols with a life-sized Dalek and BB8 from Star Wars proving popular.

Event organiser David Tree, who runs shop All the Cool Stuff said: “We are getting a huge amount of footfall.

"The atmosphere has been great,  lots of people have dresses up and everybody has been fired up.

"We’ve had a big mix of comic book and sci-fi fans to regular shoppers who are interested.”

Mr Lovett said: “It has been incredible and very popular. People like the escapism from the real world.”

For more information visit www.nerdageddon.co.uk/comic-con-west-quay-southampton.

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