FROM a galaxy far, far away... a screen legend dropped in to Swindon this weekend.

Peter Mayhew, the actor behind the Chewbacca mask, was at the Brunel Shopping Centre yesterday to meet fans and sign autographs.

The 7ft 3ins actor had been invited to the town by Star Wars enthusiast Luke Kaye, better known locally as Luke Skywalker.

After spending the week at the Royal Bath and West Show, Peter came to the town's Famous Retail memorabilia store.

The actor, who lives in Texas, said: "I've met some very nice people here. It's good to be back in the UK to see friends and family and to meet the fans.

"The Bath and West Show was good - there was a really friendly atmosphere and it was a different kind of audience to the kind of conventions I normally do."

Peter, 64, who reprised his role as the iconic wookie in 2005's Revenge of the Sith, now works full-time at sci-fi and Star Wars conventions.

He said: "It's a great way to make a living. If you're a people person, there's no better job."

Though almost 25 years have elapsed since the end of the original trilogy, Peter remains close to cast members, particularly Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford.

He said: "We see quite a lot of each other - particularly the British actors, but even Carrie, Mark and Harrison.

"Of course, Harrison is busy with the new Indiana Jones film at the moment but we still stay in touch. And I still get a Christmas card from (director) George Lucas every year."

On the subject of donning the Chewbacca suit for a final time, Peter didn't rule out the possibility.

He said: "There is probably going to be a live action TV series at some point and if there was a place for Chewbacca in that, I'd certainly be interested."