Comic books, tournaments and 'the world's nerdiest quiz' attracted hundreds of people to a popular Carlisle convention.

They gathered at Richard Rose Morton Academy on Saturday to indulge in the world of science fiction, gaming and superheros for the return of Megacon, which has taken place annually for several years.

The event featured tournaments including Pokemon, X-Wing and Street Fighter, Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!

Stalls selling everything from manga, figurines, jewellery, games, clothes and film memorabilia were also part of the attraction and throughout the day there was Cosplay life drawing events, the world's nerdiest quiz, a target wrestling show and game demonstrations.

Among the enthusiasts was Poppy Skillen, of Cockermouth, who dressed as Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad for the day out.

She told the News & Star the best thing about the convention is socialising with like-minded people.

"You meet loads of people who are into the same things as you are and you make loads of friends and loads of connections," she said.

"There's people selling things and I always get loads.

"I came to the last Megacon in 2015 and I loved it. It was my first ever convention and they made me feel so welcome. The people here are so nice.

"It starts to feel like one big family."

Poppy, 19, introduced her friend Toria Christie to the world of comic books and superheroes. She was at Megacon for the first time.

The 14-year-old said: "I love it. I'm definitely coming again without a doubt."

Poppy added that it was great to dress up, to be "anyone you want to be and no one judges you."

David Purdy, of Whitehaven, agreed.

He was at the convention for the fourth time and already intends to return for the August installment of the event.

"I love games, I love comics and nerdy, superhero stuff," he said.

"There is an escapism element to it. It gives you an excuse to unwind and relax and be someone who you want to be, dressing in something silly."

The 28-year-old, who went as the engineer from Team Fortress 2, added that he only started to get into gaming in his mid teens.

Originally called Recon, it began as an in-store event at Waterstones book shop but was renamed Megacon when it expanded and moved to the Richard Rose Central Academy in 2012.

Last year the event had to be cancelled after its city centre venue was hit by Storm Desmond.