Doctor Who fan's Dalek world record bid

11:06am Sunday 26th August 2007

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Doctor Who fans are preparing to ex-ter-min-ate a world record - by gathering dozens of Daleks under one roof.

The Museum of Science and Industry, in Castlefield, is hosting an attempt to smash the record for the largest ever gathering of the Doctor's arch nemeses.

Bolton model maker Jason Lythgoe-Hay is taking along his full-scale replica dalek to join the numbers at tomorrow's event, which starts at noon.

To fulfil Guinness Book of Records criteria, the museum must attract more than 50 daleks, or people in costumes which "closely resemble a dalek". And Mr Lythgoe-Hay's pal, whom he made while working as a sculptor last year, is sure to be one of the more impressive - as it is built from some of the same materials as the daleks featured in the BBC series.

The 33-year-old graphic artist from Deane, said: "I've been a big Doctor Who fan since I was young and I initially built this to appear on stage at a convention. It took three months to create and I'm really pleased with it.

"Daleks have changed over the years and I think there will be a touch of the green eyed monster about tomorrow as everyone gets a chance to see other models."

Mr Lythgoe-Hay's mutant is created from MDF wood, plywood and fibreglass and lives in the spare bedroom at a friend's house. It has an illuminated eye and even includes the same non-slip matting that is used inside the neck of the original creations.

And Doctor Who fans will be pleased to hear that the daleks who take part will finally meet their maker - as original creator Raymond Cusick will be at the museum for a special screening of the show.

The event is part of the museum's Doctor Who Up-Close exhibition which has been running since March and attracted more than 100,000 visitors.

Museum director Ian Griffin said: "This is the largest Doctor Who exhibition in the world, so it's an obvious place for Daleks to visit!"

So, if you bump into someone dressed in tin foil and using a plunger and a whisk as a weapon, it could be a Dalek taking part in the record attempt - or look closely - it could be the real thing!