Hundreds of Star Wars fans used the force to keep awake all night as they queued to be the first to get their hands on toys from the sci-fi saga’s new film.

UK stores opened at midnight for the launch of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens tie-in merchandise – including action figures, toy lightsabers and fancy dress costumes – in an event dubbed “Force Friday”.

Around 300 fans – some decked out in Star Wars costumes – stretched into a galaxy far, far away (or at least around the corner) at the Disney Store in central London.

Daisy Ridley and John Boyega check out their Star Wars action figures
Daisy Ridley and John Boyega check out their Star Wars action figures (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Stars of the new film Daisy Ridley and John Boyega were there to celebrate the launch and check out their new action figures.

There has been a mixed reaction to Force Friday on Twitter.

For those who queued all night, it seems it was worth it.

But there is disapproval from some collectors who will buy the new toys and never take them out of the packaging.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens sees original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Peter Mayhew return as Han Solo,  Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca.

The film will be released in the UK on December 18.