Star Wars items including Darth Vader mask auctioned

The collection described as a ''collectors dream'' was sold on Tuesday, which was May 4th - international Star Wars day.

Prowse, who died aged 85 last year, was born in Southmead, near where the auction was held.

Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said: "The fact that Mr Prowse was born just a few miles away from our saleroom is what made this such a special event. It really felt like his collection 'came home'."

Prowse's Empire Strikes Back script, which had key lines removed so the actors didn't reveal the big twist that Vader was Luke's father, sold for £23,000.

A prototype lightsaber given to the actor, and expected to fetch £80 at auction, sold for £9,000.

The sci-fi weapon was bought after furious bidding at a sale of the late star's estate.

It was given to Prowse after filming for the movies finished - making it Darth Vader's personal lightsaber.

The kit - made of old camera parts - was expected to fetch between £80-£120 but it fetched a whopping £9,000.

The details of the lot read: ''Estate of Dave Prowse - Star Wars - a vintage prototype 1/1 scale prop replica Darth Vader lightsaber.

''Metal construction, originally from a kit which got discontinued as a Lucasfilm Ltd license could not be obtained for mass production. Unfinished prototype.

''Measures approx; 28cm long. Unknown origin, gifted to Mr Prowse when production ceased.''

It was sold among 700 lots including his Empire Strikes Back script, a piece of the Millennium Falcon and a Darth Vader mask.

A signed card from Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill where he calls David 'dad' sold for 15K.

The Darth Vader mask David used at conventions and events was bought for £2,200.

The auction raised more than £400,000 and part of the proceeds will go to Alzheimer's research.

Prowse died in November, after living with Alzheimer's for around 10 years.

The auction was held at East Bristol Auctions in South Gloucestershire.