PREPARE to feel the force at Cottees' Auctions in Wareham next weekend.

The auction house is hosting a toy sale featuring a number of Star Wars and other Sci-Fi goodies.

A Darth Vader helmet signed by David Prowse and a Boba Fett helmet signed by Jeremy Bulloch - the two actors who portrayed the characters in the original Star Wars trilogy - are set to go under the hammer, just one month before the latest Star Wars film is released.

Original toys from the George Lucas franchise will feature in the sci-fi and TV-related section of the sale, that also includes a Thunderbirds game in original 1960s illustrated box, and a Danbury Mint Doctor Who chess set with additional figures.

Auctioneer Nell Hilditch said: "There's something for everyone in the November 28 toy sale - a large model railway and die-cast section, as well as a variety if more unusual lots.

"If you're looking for a good Christmas pressie, Cottees will be selling a Doctor Who clothing pattern book and Doctor Who cook book, so you can dress and dine just like your favourite sci-fi hero."

Another highlight of the sale looks set to be a group of soft toys from the 1920/30s called 'Pip, Squeak and Wilfred'.

The characters hail from a cartoon which appeared in The Daily Mirror from 1919 to 1956, and tells the story of a family of orphaned animals, Pip the dog, Squeak the penguin, and Wilfred the rabbit.

Nell said: "It is incredibly rare to come across all three animals together, and they have obviously been well looked after.

"I'm sure there will be several eager collectors bidding - Pip, Squeak and Wilfred had a large following in their day, with a fan club formed in the 1920s called 'The Wilfredian League of Gugnuncs'. So who knows? Perhaps we will stir the interest of some former 'Gugnuncs?'

The auction takes place at Cottees, Wareham at 10am on November 28, with a viewing the day before from 10am-4pm.