Film star Peter Mayhew - best known for his roll as Chewbacca in the blockbuster Star Wars trilogy - is to bid farewell to Keighley.

He has grown to love the town since moving here from the south of England in 1987.

And love is the reason why the 56-year-old is departing to set up home in Dallas, USA, with Angelique, his Texan bride of six months.

The couple met at a convention in the States 18 months ago and were married in Mexico last August.

But the need to sell his home has meant he has, frustratingly, had to stay on while it is sold.

He said: "Houses have to be sold, life has to be organised. It's just a question of time. I have sold it now and everything is going through."

Peter, who, at 7ft 3in, towers two feet taller than his wife, jokes that despite his height advantage he seldom gets the upper hand!

He says he is moving because of family and work commitments.

Although he played the hairy hero Chewbacca as long ago as 1977 in the original film he is still remembered affectionately.

Young fans still occasionally track him down in search of an autograph.

But the modest former hospital porter said that he had been merely in the right place at the right time.

"I think I made Chewbacca big, but also kind of inquisitive and curious. My brief was that he could do everything but talk.

"He was like a dog who barks softly if he's happy, but loud and high-pitched if he's angry."

Although the role remains a major part of his life he continues to be in demand in the USA for personal appearances at conventions.

He has struck up many friendships in the Keighley area, including Gerald and Glenis Hey, of the Three Sisters Hotel & Restaurant, Haworth, where he occasionally provides a touch of glamour at charity cheque presentation ceremonies.

He fulfilled that role again for the final time on Tuesday night, when handing over a cheque for £185 to Manorlands, Oxenhope, made up of donations from generous customers.

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