Two young British actors who feature in Star Wars: Episode Vii - The Force Awakens helped kick off global fan event Force Friday by hosting a meet-and-greet session with devotees in London on Thursday night (03Sep15).

John Boyega and Daisy Ridley, who saw off competition from thousands of hopefuls to land parts in the new film, joined in the celebrations to mark the launch of a new collection of Star Wars toys on Friday (04Sep15).

They surprised fans queuing up at a branch of the Disney Store on London's famous Oxford Street ahead of the toys going onsale at midnight, posing for pictures and signing autographs.

Force Friday has also featured a live global unveiling of the toys on YouTube.com.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens is slated for release in December (15).