THE countdown is on for the weekend that hundreds of comic book and movie characters descend on Colchester.

Invasion Colchester is back for its sixth year, filling Culver Square with larger than life action figures, princess, robots and superheroes.

Shoppers can get their photo with their favourite characters plus join the dressing up with a spot of face painting, a fancy dress competition and ride the famous Batmobile.

Last year the event raised a huge £6,800 for St Helena Hospice and Colchester Hospitals Charity but organisers vow to beat it.

David Robertson, centre manager at Culver Square, said: “Invasion Colchester is an amazing day that sees everyone in such high spirits and the whole community comes together to support our Colchester charities.

“It’s a real pleasure to be able to support such a fun event each year and I hope we can top that fantastic fundraising total.”

Prepare to meet your nemesis or hero on September 2 from 10am until 3.30pm.