FROM sandcastles to Sandpeople, Clacton was transformed as the third sci-fi convention touched down.

Even before the doors opened at 10.30am there were long queues outside Highfield Holiday Park, as fans waited eagerly to get a look at the nine guests and the numerous trade stands and models.

To the left of the Bermuda Suite were the guests on the main stage, who were soon swamped by fans wanting to talk to them and get a signed photo.

During the morning the two rooms were packed, as people viewed the excellent display of models, which included genuine props from Dr Who, Thunderbirds and Stingray.

At midday it was time for model maker Dave Saunders to give a talk. Dave proved to be a huge hit, telling a packed audience about his work on Dr Who and Star Wars, to name but a few.

He revealed a little about his work on Episode II, but not too much, and told how he built various ships for the Phantom Menace, including the Sith Infiltrator, Amidala's Ship, and a Naboo Fighter.

Then it was back to the signings for a while, before Sylvia Anderson came to the talks area.

Sylvia played a short video reminding everyone of exactly what she was behind. It was a moment of pure reminiscing, especially when Melody Angel and the pink Rolls Royce came out of a box and onto the table beside her.

She told of the early days when Thunderbirds was barely a dream, through its huge success,and her work on Stingray, Joe 90 and Space: 1999.

While the talks were taking place a raffle and quizes were being held. The winner of the children's quiz was Tamara Page, while the adult quiz was shared between John Vincent and Dave Fisher. The winner of the raffle, who received four signed photos from the stars, was a Mr Paver from Clacton.

The third talk was due to be Kenny Baker, but due to a heavy cold he wasn't up to it, so Phantom Menace star Jerome Blake stepped into the fray, and fielded questions.

Jerome, who played numerous characters in the film, told how some were easier to wear than others. For some parts, he copied the great Jack Nicholson and slept while some of the make-up went on.

Other masks were harder, such as Oppo Rancicis on the Jedi Council, which Jerome discovered when he attempted to drink soup while wearing the ridiculously hairy costume.

And last up was Carolyn Seymour, who spoke of her time with the cult classic Survivors show, and Star Trek.

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