Fan welcomes return of the Doctor

The daleks return with the new series of Doctor Who

The news that Doctor Who will return to television screens this year has delighted some fans of the show.

Among those counting down the return of the new series is Andrew Green who has turned his Sunderland home into a shrine to the long-running TV series.

He collects Doctor Who items and attends conventions and events to raise money for charity.

His most treasured item is a rare Special Weapons dalek, which takes pride of place in his living room.

Mr Green is a member of the Hyde Fundraisers - a group of Doctor Who enthusiasts from across the country which raises cash for charities.

He said true fans were looking forward to the new series, expected to begin at the end of this month.

Lifesize dalek

Mr Green said: "I think it is going to be better than the others. It will be different but things have to change to keep up with the likes of Buffy and Angel which the kids are into now.

"Although I don't have a favourite Doctor Who, Tom Baker was my era so appeals to me more."

But he does have a favourite dalek - the rare Special Weapons dalek, a lifesize version of which he picked up at auction.

The Hyde Fundraisers have a line up of events this year as the new Doctor Who takes to the screens.

It will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary in July when it will re-stage a production of The Trial Of Davros to raise money for the BBC Children in Need appeal.