AWARD-WINNING balloon modelling expert Bob Armstrong embraced Star Wars movie fever when he created an appropriate character for a 40th birthday bash.

The owner of Doctor Bob’s Balloons, in High Street, Barry, was commissioned by a woman who wanted her husband to get a memorable gift – in time for the much-anticipated release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi which made its cinema debut last month.

The black and silver Darth Vader sculpture ended up 7ft 8” tall and comprised of more than 580 balloons.

It took Mr Armstrong eight-and-a-half to nine hours to complete and was accessorised with a light sabre.

Mr Armstrong said: “She wanted me to be able to make a Darth Vader. She loved him so much she wanted to give him a surprise.

“I rose to the challenge as I think anything is possible. She was overwhelmed with it. He was gobsmacked.

Mr Armstrong said he is considering expanding his Star Wars repertoire

“I’ve done Yoda,” he said. “Chewy would be a challenge, but a life-sized Jabba would be good.”