DOCTOR Who actor Sylvester McCoy will be the star attraction at Keighley’s first comics convention.

The actor, who also appeared in the recent Hobbit films, will appear at Con Aire in Victoria Hall on March 18.

McCoy became the seventh doctor in the 1980s, sporting an outfit with question marks and fighting aliens such as Daleks and the Bannermen with companions Mel and Ace.

Guests will also include Prometheus and Pan actor Phill Martin and Martin Ballantyne, who has appeared in Harry Potter and Batman films.

Hundreds of comics and sci-fi fans are expected to descend on Victoria Hall to mingle with superheroes, pirates and a Dalek.

The visitors will be able to receive Star Wars lightsaber training from 'combat academy’ Path of the Chosen as well as handle reptiles and small mammals.

They can see the Sentinel Squad costuming group, a replica Herbie Love Bug, a replica DeLorean from movie Back To The Future, and a new Star Trek chair built by Leeds Bradford Starfleet.

There will be an authors’ panel on stage with Nathan Robinson, Sarah Elliot, Jolyon Folkett and Leesa DeVantier.

Attractions also include a shooting range, balloon modelling, face and body painting, a shooting range, costume competitions, and green screen photography.

Amongst the refreshments will be bubble tea from Manhua Cha, the UK’s only comic book-themed bubble tea trailer.

Con Aire is being organised by Philip and Natalie Gosney of Savage Beast Events.

Philip said: “Con Aire is the first comic con-style event for Keighley, and encompasses the wider West Yorkshire region.

“It will bring together a variety of geeky attractions for a day of family fun and festivities.

“Actors from big screen films, including Sylvester McCoy, Ballantyne and Phill Martin will be joining us, and convention goers will have the opportunity to chat to them about their experiences, and purchase signed photographs.

“Dr X, Spiderman, Iron-Man, Captain America and Batman are just a few of the characters. They will give a Batman-themed Bat Signal display, and convention goers can try their hand at lifting Thor's Hammer.

around 40 traders will have stalls selling a wide range of goods from collectables, toys and comic books, to hand made jewellery, accessories and art.

Early bird tickets, including timeslots for lightsaber training, are already on sale at Keighley Leisure Centre or by visiting conaire.co.uk.

The lightsaber classes will run three times during the course of the day, at a cost £5 each. People are advised to book in advance.