A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Well, just 30 years ago and not that far away either – it happened here on Planet Earth to be exact.

The story begins with a man called George Lucas struggling to find an actor small enough to operate a specially designed tin can called R2-D2.

Kenny Baker, all 3ft 8ins of him, came to the rescue and was soon working inside the cute little droid in the sweltering heat of the Arizona sand dunes.

Today, Preston-based Kenny – now a grandfather-of-four – is preparing to meet legions of fans for Star Wars Celebration Europe, commemorating the film's 30th anniversary, in London from July 13 to July 15.

Speaking from his luxurious bungalow in Ashton, Kenny looks back on his Star Wars days. The 73-year-old, leaning against his chair rather than sitting in it, says: "I was ideal for the part as I had short legs and even shorter arms. There were no room for arms in there.

"They used to take off the top and drop me inside to move the controls.

"I also got to play an Ewok in Return Of The Jedi, which was really hot because the costume was foam, rubber and fur.

"I'd been working in cabaret and television for 25 years before Star Wars, so all the agents knew me and that's how I got the job."

Kenny believes the good storyline, supported by great actors and crew, continues to ensure Star Wars' lasting appeal.

"The story is simple, with goodies and baddies, and there's no real murder or blood.

"The fans sometimes say silly things, like it has become a way of life for them, almost like a religion.

"They get really deep into it and are really technical, which is a bit strange to me, and they'll queue for days outside cinemas."

Kenny remembers Sir Alec Guinness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi, as being a "true English gentleman", and Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo, as being a "joker" and "a ladies man".

He remains in contact with David Prowse (Darth Vader) and Jeremy Bulloch (bounty hunter Boba Fett).

Although Kenny has fond memories of the Star Wars franchise, he remains a little bitter about his relatively small share of the vast financial rewards amassed.

He says: "For Star Wars, I was getting £800 a week and wasn't aware I could get the royalties that the Hollywood actors were getting.

"If I'd asked George (Lucas] for a percentage cut I would be a multi-millionaire now.

"But I still believe there's someone up there looking after me as I keep ticking on and things are always popping up.

"After the anniversary celebrations I'm going to be doing after dinner speaking on P&O cruise liners.

"It's not bad being paid to talk to people while being given a free dinner, and then I can go to the bar and stagger off to bed!"

Kenny, who has two sons, is looking forward to becoming a grandfather for the fifth time later this month, and a sixth grandchild is due shortly before Christmas.

He says: "It's nice to be a granddad. I can say 'I'm your little granddad, and when you're a big girl I'll still be your little granddad."