CREATURES from outer space, rockets and a car fuelled by laughing gas were some of the weird and wacky sights that cropped up at the Royal Gunpowder Mills's science spectacle at the weekend.

The event has become one of the highlights in the Waltham Abbey showground's calendar, drawing science fiction fans from across the country.

The crowds who braved sweltering temperatures to attend were kept entertained by a host of visual delights, including re-enactors dressed up as characters from the Star Wars films.

Youngster Olivia Lees-West gave the group a run for their money with her own costume based on Princess Leila from the hit movies, which was so good that it won the weekend's fancy dress competition in the process.

Meanwhile spectators were left amazed by a 'Laffin-gas Xperimental Hybrid Rocket Car' which zoomed across the showground's racing track, while children also got a chance to make and launch their own gas-powered rockets, as well as enjoying a variety of other science-themed activities.

Later this month the venue hosts a Georgian Military Festival later this month on Saturday July 24 and Sunday July 25, with a First World War re-enactment display the weekend after.

Visit royalgunpowdermills.com for more information.