THE force was strong for Wightfibre and UKSA at their latest charity premiere for the release of Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker ­— raising more than £7,000.

The event took place on the film’s release in December at Cineworld, Newport, to a capacity audience of 290 VIP guests.

Against the backdrop of galactic royalty ­— the Princess Leia dinghy vessel ­— John Irvine, chief executive of WightFibre, presented Ben Willows of UKSA with a cheque for £7,158.

The money will go to UKSA’s Test the Water programme, which will fund 240 places for Year 6 children from across the Island to spend half a day at UKSA with their school, taking part in a sailing or watersports session.

The programme is supported by WightFibre.

­Mr Willows said: “We are very fortunate to have the ongoing support of WightFibre ­— which helps us keep running this important programme and continue to make a real difference to young people on the Isle of Wight.

"Once again, this event is a brilliant platform for us to talk about our charitable work here on the Island and raise money for local children to come to UKSA, so a huge thanks to WightFibre for hosting it once again.”

The event was dedicated to Simon Poole, WightFibre’s chief operating officer, who died only a few days prior to the event.

An auction raised more than £1,300 and had guests bidding for a wide array of curios, including a replica Storm Trooper helmet, Dave Prowse signed print, and a UKSA activity day.

Highlights included a framed Medal of Yavin with film cells from Star Wars IV: A New Hope, and a guest appearance from actor Nick Joseph, who took part in the iconic film.

Mr Irvine said: “Once again, this was a great evening. A unique and fun event ­— something that allows us to give back to the Island community.

"To raise so much more than before was amazing, and really helps us support the important work of UKSA and in turn, children from across the Island.”