THE force is with a group of fledgling Jedi warriors who are becoming skilled in the art of light sabre duelling.

Young Star Wars enthusiasts were yesterday given a chance to learn the art, as seen in the science fiction films and spin-offs of the George Lucas space adventure series.

Martial arts instructor and science fiction fan Simon Mallinson was the self-appointed Obi Wan Kenobe at a light sabre class run as part of a summer holiday activity programme at Chester-le-Street Community Centre.

The young combatants re-enacted scenes from the Star Wars trilogy, now becoming popular with a second generation of film fans following the launch of earlier episodes.

It was Darth Vader against Luke Skywalker all over again as the trainees were put through their paces by Simon, who became "Jedi Master Mallinson" for the day.

Simon said while martial arts was an influential factor behind the concept of light sabre fighting, yesterday's event was a chance for some summer holiday fun for the eager youngsters.

"We are very much aiming at the young generation who have become Star Wars fans through the newer films.

"It's really just a chance for them to play with their light sabres without having adults shouting at them, telling them not to break anything.

"We're not doing anything too complex. I'm just teaching them the basic movements to pick up and the rest is about having fun," said Simon, now 31.

All the "Jedi trainees" received certificates of competence in the light sabre art and will be the first names on the list if the class is repeated at the Newcastle Bank community centre before then end of the six-week holiday.