I built a life-like replica of Star Wars R2D2 and he loves the beach in Cleveleys where Andor was filmed

A life-like replica of R2D2 has become a star attraction across the Fylde Coast after one devoted fan spent four years bringing the iconic droid to life.

Mike Underwood’s painstakingly-built replica recently wowed audicences at a convention at the Norbreck Castle - even though it was a Star Trek convention!

He said the little - and definitely cute - blue and white robot ‘goes down an absolute storm’ wherever it appears.

Mike, a lifelong fan of the Star Wars movies said building it had been a true labour of love - made even more special to showcase it in Cleveleys, close to where Andor was filmed - when our photographer caught up with him.

The project began when Mike spotted the R2D2 shell for sale in an auction of film memorabilia in Liverpool.

He said: “It was very basic, none of the doors worked and it didn’t move, the holograms were actually made from bottle tops from Comfort bottles! Everything has been added since.”

Through the years to completion, Mike has tranformed the robot with moving arms, rotating panels, lights and a fully operational head, mostly controlled from his watch.

With the touch of a button it can move, ‘walk’, turn its head, play music and speak, delighting people wherever it goes.

And while it may have come from galaxy far, far away, Mike says his R2D2 is happier somewhere far closer to home.

“He loves the beach!” Mike laughed.