A WEEK of space-related activities was held at the Intech centre near Winchester.

It included visitors in Star Wars costumes, television personalities, civic dignitaries and a rover destined for Mars.

The high-tech piece of equipment set visit the red planet is nicknamed Bridget. It has been developed by Astrium, which has a base at Portsmouth.

The events coincided with World Space Week, and were launched at Intech earlier this month.

It was presided over by Jon Tickle, presenter of the off-the-wall science television show, Brainiac.

He was joined by Winchester MP, Mark Oaten, and the city’s mayor, Cllr Dominic Hiscock.

Members of the Rebel Legion, who dress up as characters from Star Wars, were also there.

The attractions have included water rockets being launched outside the venue at Morn Hill.

Visitors were also given the chance to hold a meteorite and speak to astronomers.

The venue also hosted school parties from across Hampshire. Those who visited included Owslebury Primary School and Peter Symonds College in Winchester.