He is famous for wielding a deadly light saber and choking insubordinates with his forceful death grip.

But on Friday (September 8), the galaxy's most feared villain, Darth Vader, took a break from imperial activities and visited Great Yarmouth.

The Dark Lord of the Sith was even seen enjoying a ride on the snails at Joyland.

His appearance, with other characters from Star Wars, on the Golden Mile was organised by the Galactic Troopers - 11 friends from Norfolk and Suffolk who came together to form a science-fiction costuming group.

They went to Joyland last week to raise awareness about their group and their mission, which is to help small local charities raise money.

Wayne Hart, 51, from Brockdish, a village near Diss, said the members all have a wealth of experience in fundraising. 

"After doing this for many years, we have become very much aware that many small or less known charities get overlooked. 

READ MORE: Star Wars' Darth Vader at Great Yarmouth Comic Con

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A biker scout - seen in the Star Wars movie 'Return of the Jedi' - on the Golden Mile in Great Yarmouth. A biker scout - seen in the Star Wars movie 'Return of the Jedi' - on the Golden Mile in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Galactic Troopers)

"We would love to change this and help raise the much needed funds that so many of these charities need," he added. 

He said the Galactic Troopers believe that all money collected should and must go to the charity in which they are collecting for and as such they do not charge to attend any events.

READ MORE: ‘May the Toys be With You’ - Star Wars memorabilia exhibition comes to Norfolk

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Is it the desert planet Tatooine? No, it's the beach at Great Yarmouth which on September 8 was visited by the Galactic Troopers, friends who dress as Star Wars characters. Is it the desert planet Tatooine? No, it's the beach at Great Yarmouth which on September 8 was visited by the Galactic Troopers, friends who dress as Star Wars characters. (Image: Galactic Troopers)

Mr Hart, who dresses as a stormtrooper, said the response to their visit to Great Yarmouth was "absolutely brilliant".

The group interacted with unsuspecting locals and holiday makers.

"There were children running up, wanting to get photos taken with us," Mr Hart said. 

"It's people's faces that keep you going, when they smile and you know you've brightened up their day."

Galactic Troopers, who are currently touring around Norfolk and Suffolk, are searching for charities that could do with their help. Find them on Facebook.