DARTH Vader and his stormtroopers ensured that the Force was with fundraisers when they collected more than £17,000 for charity.

The Star Wars stars turned out with Indiana Jones to ensure the inaugural Torbay Holiday Helpers Network ball went with a bang.

Other attractions at the Riviera International Conference Centre event included a wide array of Devon's entertainment talent, including bands and a magician.

Gary Eastwood, known for his appearance on Channel 4's Secret Millionaire, was the guest of honour.

The black-tie ball, which attracted 435 guests, had a huge raffle and prize draw, with the star prize being a £1,200 holiday voucher.

Other items up for grabs included return flights to New York City, and a signed and framed Manchester United replica shirt.

Luke Tillen, THHN founder, said: "The guests enjoyed a four-course meal and said the event was a huge success.

"The auction proved to be very interesting, with Gary Eastwood securing two return flights to New York City for £1,500.

"He then very generously donated the winning amount and putting the tickets back for re-auction.

"The event ran like clockwork and was even more successful than I could have ever imagined.

"I would like to thank everyone involved from the bottom of my heart and look forward to making our next event an even bigger success."

Torbay Holiday Helpers Network began in 2009, with the aim of providing free holidays for families with children suffering from severe or terminal illnesses.

In the past 12 months THHN has given away nearly 90 free holidays, and it is now spreading as far as South Wales, the New Forest and Cornwall.

The charity works in conjunction with more than 40 national charities and organisations, including Great Ormond Street Hospital, CLIC Sargent and Rainbow Trust Children's Charity.

All funds raised at the ball were split between the National Alliance Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations and the Hannah Louise Jones Umbrella Fund of the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust.