Last updated at 19:21 21 January 2008

A Jedi "church" has been born in a galaxy far far away - North Wales.

The Holyhead chapter of the self-styled Jedi Church, which claims up to 400,000 members worldwide, has sprung up thanks to brothers Barney and Daniel Jones, both Star Wars obsessives.

The "church" is only one of a handful around the planet, said hairdresser Barney, 26, the Anglesey Order Minister, also known as Master Jonba Hehol.

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"Some people think it will be quite interesting but lots of people will ridicule us because it seems quite nerdy but we've had a good reaction so far," he said.

"We think of it as proper lifestyle enhancement and it should be taken seriously - it can't be bad if it makes life better.

"We live normal day-to-day lives.

"We are trying to take away the humour of it all and bring more structure so people take it more seriously."

The "religion" was born as a result of a nationwide joke in the 2001 census when nearly 400,000 claimed their belief system was Jedi.

And now Barney and musician Daniel, 21 - or Master Morda Hehol, self-appointed UK "church" leader - are getting their new "religion" off the ground.

"It's serious," said Barney.

"We will have teachings based on Yoda - the 900-year-old grand master - as well as readings, essays submitted, meditation and relaxation, visualisation and discuss healthy eating.







"The Jedi religion is about life improvement, inner peace and changing your lifestyle so you have a more fulfilling existence.

"It's based on the films but we have brought things into it because the films are a bit more sci-fi.

"But we have developed on the film's teachings, introducing teachings we believe the Jedi Knights would seek.

"We used to watch the films over and over again and it came about from that."

There will be no chance of their empire striking back at people who mock the Jedi, as they are a peace-loving bunch, said Barney.

The Anglesey order has 80 worshippers - whose uniform is head-to-toe black - but is growing daily, said Barney - who as a master wears brown hooded robes.

And when a building has been found to home the movement, the brothers aim to provide lightsabre fighting classes.

"Worshippers" will take a series of tests to scale the Jedi hierarchy.

Plans have also been made to open a Jedi "church" in Surrey and in the Philippines to follow on from America's first in Florida.