A CHARITY for firefighters is hosting a special screening of the latest instalment of the Star Wars franchise.

May 4 is both Star Wars Day and International Firefighters Day and The Firefighters Charity have organised for Braintree's Cineworld cinema at Freeport to be taken to a galaxy far far away at a showing of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.

Laura Harden, Regional Fundraising Officer for the Firefighters Charity said: "May 4 is international firefighters day, where we want to recognise the support of our firefighters.

"We always want to raise awareness of what we do as a charity and we want the event to show people what we do and let them know how we can help if they need something."

People are being encouraged to dress up as their favourite character at the red carpet evening and 10% of all costume fees from Chameleon Costumes, Braintree will go to the charity.

On the night there will be a chance to meet several of the characters from the film and have your picture taken inside a scene using green screen technology.

Andre Turner, Watch Manager for Essex Fire and Rescue Service is turning up with a fully functioning R2D2 robot.

Tickets for the screening are priced at £15 per adult and £10 per child including a bag of popcorn and a drink.

There will be a raffle held on the night with the chance to win some exciting prizes.

All funds raised from the event will go directly to the charity.

Laura said: "This is one of the only available opportunities for people to see it on the big screen.

"Although the prices are slightly more expensive than a normal trip to the cinema, all the profits come to the charity.

"We have got lots of other things going on, it is going to be a bit more special than a normal trip to the cinema."

For more information or to buy tickets, please visit: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/what-you-can-do/fundraise/create-your-own/may-the-fourth-be-with-you-cinema-night.