FANS of comic books and sci-fi enjoyed a geek culture convention over the weekend.

DiddyCon was held at Park View Community Centre, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on Saturday, coinciding with International Free Comic Book Day.

Some of the main attractions included ECTO1, a rare replica of the car from the Ghostbusters films, and Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine.

It was organised by Dark Matter Café and Events and supported by Chester-le-Street Area Action Partnership and Park View Community Centre.

The convention featured traders and professional cosplayers - fancy dress in character, Green Screen Photography, a large realistic dinosaur, 3D printing and game design from Darlington College, retro gaming, big screen gaming, how to play sessions and competitive trading card gaming sessions, as well as film and TV props.

Dark Matter company director Dan Pye said: “We have seen great success over the past few years, and in understanding our customers, and listening to their needs we can now identify their desire for more from our events.

“We understand they want to meet and socialize with one and other, but also we see a huge increase in families and younger people attending these events, with stronger desires to engage and interact with exhibitions.”