VIDEO/IMAGES: Blackburn Comic Con 2018

Around 1,500 people from across the UK descended on Blackburn for the annual sci-fi convention, which is now in its third year.

The event at King George’s Hall featured 41 different stalls, an array of cosplay, several live panels and autograph opportunities with celebrities.

American actor Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was visiting Blackburn for the first time and had travelled to the town straight from another convention in Italy.

The 47-year-old, who starred in all seven seasons of the late 1990s and early 2000s supernatural drama, said: “The reaction from fans has been lovely. It’s why I do this stuff.

“Some shows are really chilled, like this one, and that’s where I’ve enjoyed some of my best times.”

S Club 7’s Hannah Spearritt, who starred in sci-fi drama Primeval, was scheduled to attend but had to cancel last minute.

That was because the 37-year-old, who is eight-and-half months pregnant, was unable to travel and instead she sent several signed photos and autographs for the event.

Other guests included Harry Potter’s Tolga Safer, Ross Mullan, who portrayed a White Walker in Game of Thrones, Brian Wheeler, who played a Jawa in Star Wars and Carla Perez, who starred in Power Rangers back in 1993.

The 48-year-old, who had travelled from South California last week to make the convention, said: “I have never been to Blackburn before.

“I have had a wonderful time. The fans are so warm and kind and some of their stories are so touching. It’s amazing how the Power Rangers can be such an inspiration to people.”

Co-organisers Paul Dunne, from Accrington, and Neil Livesey, from Rishtonsaid it was great to see so many smiling faces.

Mr Dunne, 49, said: “We’ve had fans fly in from Ireland just to see some of the celebrities. We have had something for everyone.”

Accrington and Rossendale College student Leon Turner, 20, said: “It has been absolutely fantastic meeting new people.”