Mark Donald will open his self-made Star Wars garden at Castle Street, Forres to the public on Thursday, May 4

THE gate to another universe is opening in Forres on Thursday, May 4 - six years after the creator first started creating it.

Sci-fi fanatic Mark Donald is not charging an entry fee to his Star Wars garden at 10 Castle Street, asking only those who can afford it to make donations to charity instead.

He explained: “Times have been hard in the last few years so there will be no fee. Instead there will be the option to make a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support. I’m looking forward to showing visitors around, talking about the franchise and everything I’ve made!”

The father-of-two was inspired by his passion for Star Wars that started when he was a child in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

He said: “Star Wars is so diverse and appeals to different generations from all corners of the world. It’s the biggest movie franchise in the world. I’ve always loved it!”

Mark’s back garden now features 31 life size characters and six large/life size spaceships from Star Wars that he has made or bought in.

He explained: “I started making a speeder bike in the summer of 2017 and soon after decided to put together a full Star Wars garden. It’s now full of items, plus landscaping.

“I’m relieved and excited about where it’s at now but I still plan to add more characters and transports, plus replace some landscapes. I’ll enjoy perfecting things in the coming months and years.”

Mark’s Star Wars garden will be open on May 4 from 4-8.30pm.

He finished: “May 4 is a Thursday and also happens to be my oldest daughter Nicole’s birthday. As it’s a weekday, most potential visitors will have school or work. The afternoon and evening opening will offer enough time for them to make it along. I will have other open days during the summer but may the fourth be with you!”

Mark has set up a donations page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/starwarsmyworld.