Literacy stormtroopers attend 'magical' royal carols

Nunu and James travelled to London for the carol service

A man said it was "magical" for him and his granddaughter to attend a carol service at Westminster Abbey after a royal invite.

James and Nunu - who are known locally as the "Endon Stormtroopers" - were invited due to their work supporting the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent.

The pair dress as Star Wars characters while fundraising and attending community events.

"We really enjoyed it. It was really nice, really magical and Christmas-y,” James said.

James and Nunu, also known as the "Endon Stormtroopers", support their community dressed as Star Wars characters

The pair received their invite from Catherine, Princess of Wales and said they were sat near the front of the abbey on Friday.

Keen reader Nunu has also created a phone box library in Endon and regularly runs storytelling sessions as well as a book exchange.

Lois Bateman, hub manager for the literacy trust in Stoke-on-Trent, said their passion for literacy was outstanding.

“We nominated them because of the outstanding work they’re doing, and their commitment," she said.

“James and Nunu are making such a difference, and such an impact on local families. We wanted to thank them for that.”

The royal carol service took place at Westminster Abbey

The service was attended by a number of celebrities along with the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.

James said they included actor Jim Broadbent as well as singers Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert.

“It was completely ‘wow’. I’ve never been in Westminster Abbey before," he added.

“We lit candles, we sang carols, everybody joined in. There were lots of people there, all from different areas of the world.”