THE cosmic threat of Doctor Who's nemesis - the Dalek - will be unleashed on the streets of Romsey on Saturday.

A full-sized Dalek will be patrolling the streets of the town centre, collecting money for local charity The XLP Research Trust.

Those who are brave enough will be able to have their photo taken with the notorious character, who will be in town from 10am to 2pm.

The charity will also be holding a cake stall to raise money.

The XLP Research Trust was set up by Romsey residents David and Allison Hartley after their four sons were all diagnosed with the life-threatening X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome in 2003.

The genetic condition left them with no immunity against illnesses such as glandular fever and cancer of the blood.

Three of the boys - Joshua, 15, Nathan, 13, and 11-year-old Daniel - have already undergone successful bone marrow transplants to cure them.

Luke, seven, is expected to have a second bone marrow transplant at the end of the year after an attempt in June, when Nathan was the donor, failed.