A STAR Wars superfan has displayed his passion for the films for the world to see after having his VW Camper re-sprayed to feature his favourite characters and vehicles.

Mark Ball, 36, from Colburn, wanted a change for his pride and joy campervan and was inspired to decorate it in the theme of his favourite film series in time for the new release this month.

Mr Ball, who has had the camper for about two years and enjoys taking it to VW festivals, asked his martial arts instructor and owner of Richmond-based company Eye Catching Signs, Steven Smith, to create a design for him, which includes a fight scene between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi; the X-Wing Starfighter; and a TIE Fighter.

“I’m a massive Star Wars geek, and was deciding on how to have the van re-sprayed, so thought that would be a fun idea,” he said.

“Steven is my martial arts instructor, and he has his car sprayed for his martial arts business with a Bruce Lee motif so though he might be able to create something for the camper van.”

Mr Ball and Mr Smith – who is also a big Star Wars fan – toyed with lots of ideas about which characters, scenes and spaceships to include in the full wrap-around picture.

Mr Ball said: “I gave Steven artistic licence to do what he wanted because he is as much as a fan as I am – I’m really happy with the result I think it looks fantastic.

“It still needs a couple of finishing touches but everyone who has seen it has said it looks really good.”

Mr Smith, who created the artwork, said: “Mark asked me to create a wrap for the van and I jumped at the chance because I knew it would be fun to do.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do the job if it had been earlier in the year because we are normally too busy but it’s a quiet time of year so I could really get stuck into it.

“We make a special transfer – like a giant sticker basically – and shrink wrap it for the van.”

Unfortunately, Mr Ball has not been able to go far in his newly made-over van because its MOT has lapsed – and it won’t be tested until the New Year.

He said: “It’s a shame I haven’t been able to drive around in it much yet, but my garage can’t fit me in before Christmas.

“Come next summer though I’ll take it to the VW camper festivals and I’m sure it’ll get plenty of attention then.”