Hartlepool comic book shop holds fundraising convention for fans

Kelvin Mills and Lyndsey Walton owners of Atomic Comics and Collectables. Picture by FRANK REID

Atomic Comics and Collectables in Northgate, The Headland, is hosting a comic, film and sci-fi convention called Atomicon, at the Hartlepool College of Further Education on Saturday .

The event, which aims to raise funds for charity Daisy Chain, will feature Dr Who actors Ian McNeice and Simon Fisher-Becker, who will be there to greet and take photos with fans.

Kelvin Mills owner of Atomic Comics and Collectables. Picture by FRANK REID

During the day there will also be cosplayers and traders selling merchandise.

Co-owners Kelvin Mills and Lyndsey Walton, from The Headland, Hartlepool, hope the day will be an even bigger success than last year’s event, which saw more than 300 people turn out.

“Off the back of the success of last year’s event, we decided to hold it again this year,” dad of two, Mr Mills said.

“So many people have said it is really good to have something like this in the town.

“This year we will be having actors from Dr Who signing autographs, as well as independent comic artists.”

Representatives from Madius Comics and Dark Pond Creations will also be doing talks for fans throughout the day.

There will also be a cosplay competition at the end of the day and a small performance will be held by GingerSnap and Tattooed Deviant Cosplay.

The couple ,who opened the shop in November 2014, said they hope to raise funds for the charity, which has helped their son Nathaniel, nine, who has dyspraxia.

“The charity supports families with children who have conditions like autism,” Mr Mills said.

“Our little boy has dyspraxia and a lot of our customers also have children on the spectrum, so we chose the charity as it is a worthy cause.

“We hope to raise as much as possible for the charity.”

Daisy Chain is a charity that addresses the needs of children on the autism spectrum and their families.

The charity, which was established in 2003, provides a range of services, including support and activity groups.

The event will be held from 10am to 5pm.

Tickets can be bought for £10 for adults and £5 for children aged five to 15 from the shop or on the door.

Children under the age of five can go in for free.

To book online, visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/atomiccomicsandcollectablesltd