A SCIENCE fiction fanatic is to appear on television to explain how his passion possibly saved his life.

Will Hadcroft has been fascinated by sci-fi shows, such as Dr Who, The Tripods and The Incredible Hulk, since he was a small boy.

From an early age, the 36-year-old says he knew he was unlike other children and claims he was mercilessly bullied by his classmates as he was growing up.

But he used his love of science fiction television shows as an outlet from his problems - and he says this got him through the most difficult time in his life.

The bank worker from Holland Street, Astley Bridge, even diagnosed himself with the communication disorder, Asperger's syndrome, after reading an article in Dr Who magazine.

Mr Hadcroft is now to appear on the BBC4 programme My Science-Fiction Life to talk about the benefit Daleks, giant alien plants and the Tardis have brought him.

He said: "Science fiction provided me with a much needed outlet when I was growing up. I couldn't communicate with other children and used to get badly bullied. "I've been to see a psychologist in adult life and he has said to me that without this outlet, I could have ended up seriously ill.

"I used to be able to get lost in programmes like The Tripods and The Hulk and they used to express the anger I was feeling about what was going on in my life."

It was after reading an article about Aspergers syndrome - which causes people to have problems relating to, and communicating with others around them, similar to autism, that Mr Hadfield recognised his symptoms.

While he has not been professionally diagnosed he claims knowing what is wrong with him has helped him deal with his condition, He has published two novels, one an autobiography, The Feeling's Unmutual, about living with Asperger's syndrome, and the second a children's book, Anne Droyd and Century Lodge.

Both are available from Sweetens or online from Amazon.