SCIENCE fiction fans from across the pond were given a tour of Swindon with a difference.

The weird and wacky world of novelist Jasper Fforde came to life as fans flocked to the town's roundabout nursery, the Finis Hotel and the Super Hoop Stadium.

The celebration was part of the Fforde Fiesta - a weekend long fans' convention to celebrate the author's Thursday Next series, which is set in Swindon.

And as well as taking part in fun and games associated with Jasper's books, fans got the chance to meet the writer himself.

The convention was held at the De Vere Hotel in Shaw Ridge - otherwise known as the Finis Hotel - which was the scene of a kidnapping involving Jane Eyre and a Dickens character in one of the famous books.

Phil McMullen, Ffiesta director, said: "It's taken nearly three years to plan and sort this out but it was completely worth it.

"We had 150 people attend and some from America.

"There was a guided tour of the places used in the novels, a mystery gala banquet and interactive games like throwing marshmallows into a dodo's mouth."

Mary Pierce, 56, came from Rhode Island in America to take part.

She said: "I'm here with my husband and son and it's just so great to be back. Swindon's lovely and so are the people. It's just so enjoyable."

Loraine Weston, 44, from Westlea, said: "It's just great to meet so many other fans and it's even better to see there are fans from as far away as America who enjoy the books and have heard about Swindon thanks to the books."

Jasper, 47, said: "I first got to know Swindon when I was working as a runner for a film called the Champion. It's a great place and people sometimes can't see that. It's quite easy to have a cheap laugh about it but I want to show that it can be quite a dynamic place.

"The great thing about these conventions are that they are popular but aren't massively huge. I get the chance to know people and actually interact with them. It's a lot more fun and interesting."