CINEMA-GOERS felt the true force of traffic congestion when a rush hour break down delayed the premiere of the final Star Wars movie in High Wycombe.

Dozens of fans, who booked to see the third and final installment of the sci-fi classic, thought their luck was out when Handy Cross came to a standstill on Thursday, May 19.

But management at the town's Filmworks picture-house saved the day postponing the start of Revenge of the Sith and refunding those unable to attend.

Simon Dennis, general manager at the Crest Road cinema, said: "We knew about the problem so the film was delayed. It just totally grinds to a halt up there.

"We had a 5.45pm showing and about ten tickets were left unclaimed at our box office. The 7pm showing was sold out, but there were only about 20 people in the auditorium.

"We delayed it for a while, but fortunately most people were in by 7.30pm. These things happen."

Traffic started building up along Marlow Hill around 5pm, and by 6pm the busy motorway roundabout had ground to a halt.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police confirmed a heavy goods lorry had broken down near the motorway slipway causing "long tailbacks". Officers were drafted in to help divert traffic.

The spokeswoman added: "During gridlock the A404 was affected beyond the Bisham roundabout and the M40 was affected almost back to Junction 2."

Neil Townend, who booked to see the 7pm showing, said: "I couldn't believe the traffic. I thought it was all the people queuing to get to the cinema. They were really good to put the film back for everyone."

The final episode opened on Thursday, May 19 and has smashed box office records at the town's cinema.