Staffordshire Star Wars super-fan all set for special night

Mark Newbold, from Burntwood, will be walking the red carpet along with the film's stars, including veterans Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher.

Understandably, the lifelong fan of George Lucas's sci-fi saga is somewhat excited.

"I feel so lucky to be going there with my wife Ruth," said the 44-year-old former Nether Stowe School pupil.

Mark has tickets to the premiere and press screening of Disney's Star Wars: The Force Awakens which picks up the events some 30 years after Return of the Jedi.

Mark is co-owner of jedinews.co.uk – which has millions of followers around the world. It is the most popular Star Wars website in Europe.

His involvement in the franchise doesn't end there.

He has a highly regarded podcast, Radio 1138, which he hosts with jedinews.co.uk co-owner James Burns.

Mark also writes for the official starwars.com website and Star Wars Insider magazine.

He is looking forward to seeing the returning characters, including Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. Mark can't wait to hear what legendary soundtrack composer John Williams has come up with.

"I love the Star Wars soundtracks almost as much as the images on the screen," said Mark. "It's a dream come true. We are just going to make sure we enjoy every moment."

The film has its European premiere in London on Wednesday, two days after the first showing in Los Angeles.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is on general release from Thursday.

Tickets went on sale for the sceening last month, with both Odeon and Cineworld websites crashing under the strain of people wanting to see the film first.

Set 30 years after Episode 6: Return of the Jedi, the story follows a fresh-faced cast of young Jedi Knights as they tackle the remnants of the Empire.

The first in a new trilogy of films was announced in 2013, shortly after Disney acquired the popular sci-fi franchise .

As well as the updated trilogy, Disney has reignited the Star Wars series.