In the Wars again

Val Simpson, of Toy World, with some of the Star Wars toys

As the first of three prequels from movie giant George Lucas, mere 15-minute trailers for Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, have been packing cinemas up and down the country.

But when the film proper opens in Britain, in July, its launch will coincide with the appearance of thousands of plastic models, new look space craft, Jedi Knight pyjamas and cans of Pepsi decorated with characters.

But, according to a toy store manager in York, the craze for all things Star Wars has never ended.

Despite Return Of The Jedi, the last film to come from the Star Wars stable - released 16 years ago - sales of cult memorabilia have always been sky high.

And the introduction of new characters is expected to make sales huge.

Julie Dunham, manager of Toy World in Kings Square, York, said: "I've been working here for three years now and the Star Wars figures and toys have always sold very well.

"It isn't children who are buying them - it's adults, people who remember the original film from when it came out. When the new figures come out they are going to sell straight away if the old ones are still this popular."

She said the only other toys with popularity to compare to Star Wars were Star Trek merchandise.

"For the age group that buy these toys, Star Wars and Star Trek goods are unique. There is nothing which has anything like the appeal they have.

"When I started in this job I found it hard to believe that something that has been around for so long was still so popular, but they are and, when the new characters come out, it is going to be incredible."

The film, which stars Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor, is expected to start rolling in British cinemas from July 16.

The full range of Phantom items will not be released for sale until June 18.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.