ROCK bands, Darth Vader and his Imperial Stormtroopers, a variety of holiday attractions and kind-hearted hoteliers have joined up to a scheme helping seriously ill youngsters.

The Torbay Holiday Helpers Network was initiated by Luke Tillen, co-owner of the 27-room Hotel de la Mer in Babbacombe, Torquay, with the aim of providing free holidays for terminally ill children.

Yesterday he met up with a whole host of hotels and attractions which have joined the scheme so children and their families can enjoy a week to remember.

Since its June launch was highlighted in the Herald Express, about 50 organisations have signed up to Torbay Holiday Helpers Network.

To make it work even more smoothly, Luke is giving families free passes to attractions so they can gain easy access to holiday activities.

Matej Bendzala, of Babbacombe, who designed the Torbay Holiday Helpers Network attraction passes and website, said: "It was very good to be asked to be part of this.

"It's an absolutely superb cause. It's nice if you can help one person, but this aims to help many, many people."

Among the more unusual attractions to sign up to the Torbay Holiday Helpers Network was Devon band The Days.

They are signed to Atlantic Records and have supported the likes of Supergrass, Paolo Nutini and Scouting For Girls.

Bass player Dan Simpkins said: "The whole idea is brilliant. We'll help out in any way we can. If a child wants a concert we'll do it."

Among the other groups to sign up is Garrison UK, whose Imperial Stormtroopers came down from the Midlands yesterday, keen to visit any youngsters benefiting from the scheme.

Another company was Woodlands theme park, in the South Hams.

Its marketing officer Sally Williams said: "It's inspiring to see how many people Luke has encouraged to join the scheme.

"We've had some lovely thank you letters from families who've visited us. The wider the range of people, the better."

Sally's thoughts were echoed by Derek Smith, of the Marine Hotel in Paignton, who said: "It's a great scheme. I wish some of the other hotels would join in.

"We want it to go from strength to strength. It's all a case of people realising they can do it."

Luke Tillen is keen to expand the scheme as far as possible, giving as many terminally ill children and their families a chance at a fun-filled free holiday.

He added: "I'm thrilled with the support that's been shown by so many people and organisations. It's exceeded my expectations.

"It's getting bigger and bigger by the week, and there's no reason why there can't be a network of organisations throughout the country.

"I would love to hear from anybody who would like to set something up in their area."

Any businesses able to contribute to Torbay Holiday Helpers Network should call Luke on 01803 327353 or email luke@thhn.co.uk.

Alternatively, further information can be found online at www.thhn.co.uk