STAR Wars legend Kenny Baker was the guest of honour at Leigh Model Railway Society's annual exhibition.

The 3ft 8ins tall entertainer, who was the man inside the loveable droid R2D2 in the classic sci-fi films, was at the exhibition at Lowton Civic Hall at the weekend.

He and other famous faces including singer Andy Prior and Pete Conway -- Robbie Williams' dad -- mingled with 1,500 visitors at the two-day event, which showcased model railways from across the country.

Society secretary Steve Rogers said: "This year was unfortunately one of our poorest turn-outs ever. Maybe it was the good weather keeping people away."

The winner of this year's Visitor's Cup was Preston-based group G-wizz for their indoor garden railway.

Kenny Baker, now aged 69, has recently finished filming for Star Wars Episode Three which is due to be released in summer 2005.

In the meantime he can be seen playing lead dwarf Lazy in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Bolton's Albert Halls later this year.

The panto will run from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, January 11 and tickets, starting at £5.25, are now on sale at the Albert Halls box office.