A lightsaber used by Darth Vadar in the Star Wars films has sold at auction for £2.7 million.

The saber was used in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

It’s the most expensive piece of Star Wars memorabilia ever sold at auction.

The sale was held by Propstore, based in Buckinghamshire.

Brandon Alinger, Propstore chief operating officer, said:

“To see a Star Wars lightsaber – the symbol of one of cinema’s greatest sagas – become the highest-valued piece of the franchise ever sold at auction is incredibly special.”

The prop was used during filming at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.

Mr Alinger said the prop was one of the most recognised in the history of the film.

The auction was held in California.

However, many of the lots came from British productions.

They included a bullwhip, belt and holster made for Harrison Ford in the 1989 India Jones and the Last Crusade film.

It sold for £360,000.

And the Platform 9 3/4 sign, used in several of the original Harry Potter films, went for £102,573.

Mr Alinger, said: “These results mark a landmark moment, not just for Propstore, but for the entire world of film collecting.

“It speaks to the enduring cultural power of Star Wars and the passion of fans and collectors who see these artefacts as touchstones of modern mythology.”