A Star Wars fan who is opening a vintage toy store discusses his passion for collecting.

Andrew Miller, 51, is launching his new store Toy Vault UK in Mill End next Saturday (October 31).

The store will stock vintage toys that date back to the 1970s and 1980s. Mr Miller said collecting toys was originally a hobby but instead decided to turn his passion into a business.

He now buys and sells toys and says he thinks lockdown will give him a greater chance of finding more collectables.

He added: "Hopefully all the people who spent three months in lockdown have been in their attics to clear out toys they want to sell.

Mr Miller said that everybody who comes into his store will be able to "relate to something from their childhood".

He added: “For me it was when I saw Star Wars on the big screen, when it came out in 1977 and I was only eight-years-old.

Hillingdon Times:

Andrew Miller behind the counter inside his new store. Credit: Andrew Miller

"I became hooked from there and started collecting. Then much like a lot of people my toys were given away to other younger kids down the road while I was getting into BMX bikes, like most children in the 80s.

"I took a break from collecting when I grew up but I got back into it a few years ago."

When it came to collecting Star War toys throughout his childhood, he said Boba Fett was his favourite.

He then spoke about the feeling of collecting vintage toys and said it often bring backs fond memories of when he was a child.

He added: "Sometimes it only takes holding a figure again to start the spark of feelings. Just by holding something you played with as a kid can get you to start collecting again."

Mr Miller said he believes there is a need for a community toy store due to limits in the number of toy shops nearby.

He added: "I’m trying to take into account everyone’s budget and age when it comes to selling toys.

"A lot of parents have to travel to big towns to get toys for their children because there are not a lot of stores nearby, especially independent ones.

"It is also something for the community as well, as we stock a small selection of boys and girls Lego and toys ideal for last minute party invites.”

Other toy favourites will include Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Dr Who and Planet of the Apes.