Doctor’s ultimate foe lands in seaside resort

A new race of Terry Nation’s most famous creations should be patrolling the seafront in time for the show’s 50th anniversary this year.

Council bosses have voted yes to the idea of a fully working unique Dalek replica prowling the streets of Bridlington.

But they cannot call their new tourist weapon a Dalek because of potential copyright issues with the BBC.

However, they could get away with calling it a “Darlek”, a meeting to discuss the plan at Bridlington Town Hall was told.

A number of resorts have fielded flimsy Dalek props for Doctor Who stunts but Darlek owner and local resident Billy Wilkie blew his savings on his dream of resurrecting his favourite monster.

He spent more than £1,000 on a purpose-built copy of a Dalek Soldier which featured in two lost stories from the Patrick Troughton years – Power of the Daleks and Evil of the Daleks.

Because the episodes were wiped, a specialist engineer from Scotland had to recreate the silver and blue Dalek from black and white stills and other research.

The result is a 5ft 3ins tall replica that hinges in the middle allowing Billy to fold back the turret and climb in.

The fibre glass robot is mounted on wheels like a shopping trolley and the Doctor Who fan crouches inside pushing it along with his feet while looking through the black upper panels.

Although designed to look like windows they are really fine black mesh, allowing him to see out but no one to see in.

A voice moderator fitted inside the replica helps him bark out familiar phrases such as “We are the superior beings”, “You will obey the Daleks” and, of course “Exterminate”.

But the pint-sized 17-year-old electrical engineering student has had to copy the staccato delivery of the universe’s master race to get the full effect.

The head also swivels to direct the glare of the eye-stick, and he can also operate the aluminium sucker-cup arm and blaster gun.

Bridlington Town Council unanimously agreed in principle to adopt the Darlek as the resort’s new ambassador.

But they also voted to give the final say to the finance committee – in case wear and tear on the Darlek led to unforeseen costs to local charge payers.

However, the guiding light of the scheme, Councillor Malcolm Milns, insisted finance would not be an issue.

He said: “We have just given £5,000 to Crimestoppers – so we have got a bit of cash. We just have to be careful how we spend it. But they are not going to turn him down on that.”

Billy Wilkie made clear he would be volunteering his services and even if the Darlek needed patching up it would be money well spent.

He added: “The Dalek is an iconic piece of British history. Having a local Darlek that people can interact with is an enjoyable experience for all ages and will help bring people to the town.

“Every Doctor Who fan dreams of owning a Dalek.

“I have seen nearly episode and think Matt Smith is doing very well following the other doctors since the series came back.

“I had some money saved so I thought ‘What the hell, I will get one’ and chose my favourite Dalek. I’m very excited it could benefit the whole town and I never expected all this interest.”

He waited six months for the Darlek to be delivered and it was only days after it arrived from Glasgow that Councillor Milns spotted Billy showing it off to customers in a local shop.

The councillor was hooked straightaway. He said: “It’s already caused a lot of interest in the town. People have been ringing me day and night about it. We need interest in Bridlington.

“I did have the idea of having Darth Vaders walking around town this summer – but I couldn’t track down any Darth Vaders – so Billy and his Darlek have come along at just the right time.

“What is the point in having the two best promenades in Europe if people don’t want to fight their way past the funfair rides to get to them?”

At present, Billy is keeping the Darlek in the hallway of his roomy Victorian house in Quay Road, where it has given visitors the occasional scare.

Soon he hopes it will be the talk of the town - provided the BBC do not frown on the idea of an officially sanctioned “Darlek”.

He warned councillors “The name ‘Dalek’ is trade marked by the BBC. But we think we can getaway with calling it a ‘Dalek Replica’ or ‘Darlek’.”

Officialdom may not be the only bumpy ride ahead. The galaxy’s ultimate killing machine may struggle to cross the road.

Billy admits that Darlek Technology will fail when confronted with obstacles such as the kerb – when he will have to get out and push.