OBVIOUSLY "the force" was not with us as we tried to auction a piece of Star Wars memorabilia.

The 20ft x 10ft poster - promoting the latest blockbuster, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - was donated to the Shuttle/Times and News to help our Operation Covert appeal to rebuild the Rhydd Covert Scout centre at Bewdley.

The banner - which is likely to become a collectors' item - was given by Worcester's Odeon Cinema where it had dominated the frontage to promote the film.

It is thought to be worth hundreds of pounds as a piece of cinematic history - but readers failed to be inspired.

Editor, Clive Joyce, said: "It was a great gesture by the Odeon but you might say we are 'Sith as a parrot' at the outcome."

l Readers wishing to make an offer for the poster, should call the news room on 01562 633342.