FOUNDERS of a comic cafe for lovers of all things nerd are planning a city’s first ever convention dedicated to geek culture.

Dan Pye and Lindsey Brown said they have been so overwhelmed with support since they opened Dark Matters Comics and Gaming Cafe in Durham City, they have now decided to put on the city’s first ever 'comic con'.

The King Con will be held across three floors of Durham’s Gala Theatre later this year, and Mr Pye said excitement is already growing for the event.

He said: “This area is crying out for things like this, we have seen the success of other comic conventions in the region but there is a huge gap in Durham.

“There is a huge comic scene in the city and region, but there are not nearly enough events where these people can get together and share in their love of the geeky.”

Dark Matter opened in December last year and as well as being a coffee shop where customers can read and buy comics, it also puts on weekly events for different groups, such as game players and magicians.

Mr Pye said: “Our events are proving the most popular thing, we are overwhelmed by people coming here to play card and fantasy games and the like, it just shows how there was nowhere for people like us to get together before we opened.

“King Con will build on that further, it will be full of people in costumes, geeky collectibles and apparel, anything and everything geek related.

“If you are a bit of a nerd you will be able to find everything you ever dreamed of at King Con.

“We want to pull people out of their homes and take the city over for one day, and then hopefully do it all again next year.”

The Gala is owned by Durham County Council which said it would welcome the convention being held on Sunday, October 12.

Maria Plews, the council’s cabinet member for libraries, leisure, and lifelong learning, said: “The comic convention is sure to be a very exciting and unique event, which I hope will attract a lot of interest.

“This type of event often proves very popular and it will bring something new to Durham City.

“We are looking forward to welcoming all those who plan to attend.”

Comic conventions are growing in popularity in this country with more than 4,000 attending the two-day Newcastle Film and Comic Con in March.

For more information on King Con, including future announcements of star guests, search for it on Facebook or visit kingcon.co.uk