Models, action figures, annuals and even a full-sized Stormtrooper outfit - for Howard Jackson they were the fruits of years dedicated to all things Star Wars-related.

Bit by bit, Mr Jackson's prized store of memorabilia was whittled down until not even a toy lightsaber remained.

Frantic bidding at Wallis and Wallis, the Lewes firm of auctioneers specialising in toys and models, meant more than 100 lots from what was believed to be one of the largest Star Wars collections to date were snapped up in just over an hour.

Highlights included the Stormtrooper outfit, which fetched £250, and a large-scale Imperial Shuttle toy which went for £200.

The most expensive lot was one of the smallest - a Power Of the Force Yak Face, a very rare figure from 1984 that was only sold in Canada. Bidders were eager to acquire the 5in toy, pushing the final price up to £300.

Star Wars lover Howard built up the collection after being given his first action figure for Christmas 1977, the year the original film came out.

The 27-year-old police officer had mixed emotions about the sale, even though it netted him an impressive £6,715.

He said: "I am more than happy with the way it went but I feel quite empty now. A whole part of my life has just vanished."

Mr Jackson went to yesterday's auction with his mother Caroline Gough, who lives in Bexhill.

He decided to sell his collection when he realised he had filled the entire loft of his home in Essex with Star Wars memorabilia.

He said: "The first toy I remember getting was a Star Wars figure and collecting became a way of life for me.

"But I can't look after it all the way I used to and want other people to have the enjoyment I have had.

"Unless I win the National Lottery I cannot afford a big room to display it all. It was also about time I grew up a bit."

Glenn Butler, a partner at Wallis and Wallis, was not surprised by the interest in the sale.

He said: "We have never had anything of this scale before and this is the largest collection of Star Wars we know of to come on to the market in England.

"The original film came out in 1977 so interest in Star Wars spans two generations and people from all over the world love it."

Mr Jackson's decision to sell his collection caused a stir in the family.

He said: "My brother Julian was not too happy. He's another Star Wars addict and even called his daughter Leia after the character of Princess Leia in the film.

"He has his own collection though and is still buying stuff. But it is nowhere near the size mine was."