SWINDON is doing its bit as part of this year's Children In Need with a huge event at the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet.

Characters from some of the biggest sci-fi properties like Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who will be turning the Rodbourne-based shopping destination into Space Station Pudsey to raise money for the annual charity fundraising drive. 

The event is aimed at both children and adults and will feature a number of costumed characters from these shows and films to celebrate Doctor Who's 60th anniversary this month, and the 40th anniversary of The Return of the Jedi. 

Joining Daleks and Cyberman will be Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine and Stormtroopers who will mingle with shoppers along with the latest space villain Kylo Ren.

Taking part in a Space Station Pudsey event in Swindon for a second time is local businessman and Star Wars fan Luke Kaye who is bringing a life-sized replica of a Tauntaun, a well-known animal from the series.

Swindon Advertiser: The Tauntaun that will be appearing at The Return of Space Station Pudsey Children in Need event at Swindon's Designer OutletThe Tauntaun that will be appearing at The Return of Space Station Pudsey Children in Need event at Swindon's Designer Outlet (Image: Space Station Pudsey)

Luke will also be displaying models from other big sci-fi names like Flash Gordon's rocket cycle and a Battlestar Galactica motorcycle

Luke Kaye says: "I also took part in the last Space Station Pudsey 20 years ago in 2003 at the Swindon Designer Outlet and they are great family attractions. I think the life-size model of the Tauntaun will be a big crowd-pleaser for this event. But I am promising some great surprises on the day!"

Also taking part are members of MK Garrison which was formed in May 2007 as a non-profit making Star Wars costuming group attending a variety of events to raise monies for worthwhile charities. They will be joined by members of the Gloucestershire Troopers who will be fundraising as favourite Star Wars characters.

Co-organiser of Return to Space Station Pudsey  Anita Jaynes of The Business Exchange says: "In terms of exhibits and costumed attractions this is the biggest of the three Space Station Pudsey events staged in Swindon.

And we are pleased to announce that Pudsey Bear will be joining us in the afternoon to welcome fundraisers and shoppers to this wonderful occasion".     

Space Station Pudsey is taking place at the Designer Outlet throughout Friday, and any fundraisers across Swindon are being encouraged to get involved by emailing press@tbesw.co.uk.