FORMER Red Dwarf star Hattie Hayridge is coming to a science fiction festival in north Durham.

The stand-up comedian and actress who played the spaceship’s computer, Holly, in the third, fourth and fifth series of the cult show is coming to Stanley in summer.

She will be the special guest at Moira Con at Stanley Civic Hall on July 25.

Ms Hayridge will hold question and answer sessions, judge competitions and meet fans.

Organiser Liam Parry said: “The day will be a spectacle, the likes of which Stanley has never seen.

“There has been a great buzz about the event and we are hoping for a good turnout both from curious locals and the geek scene.”

Members of the 99th Garrison Star Wars characters are attending, along with Klingons, Judge Dredd, Steampunks, Daleks and a range of costumed fantasy, sci-fi and superhero characters.

There will be two Transformers cars including Bumble-bee and Barricade and over 20 stalls selling jewellery, artwork, movie memorabilia, props, comics and sci-fi regalia.

There will be a costume role play competition with a prize pool of £500, which is free to enter, table top sale, fantasy war gaming, computer gaming activities and magic card tournament.

The event runs from 11am to 4pm. Entry is free but any donations will go towards Willow Burn Hospice.