DALEKS, the Weeping Angels and other monstrous creatures took over Bolton Library and Museum to mark the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who.

Fortunately the Doctor — or rather many Doctors — were on hand to save the people of Bolton.

To celebrate 50 years of Doctor Who, Bolton Library and Museum staged a special Super Saturday.

It gave families a chance to take part activities based around the popular television series.

Many children went dressed as the Doctor, some imitating Matt Smith, some David Tennant and some Little Hulton-born actor Christopher Eccleston, along with the other actors who have played the legendary role.

Staff also got in on the act with library assistant Lauren Taylor playing Amy Pond.

The 23-year-old said: “I am a huge Doctor Who fan and I am usually based at Blackrod Library but when I heard about this event I wanted to attend.

“I take fancy dress seriously and was initially going to come as a Dalek, but I thought I wouldn’t scare too many people dressed as Amy Pond. It is amazing to see the children all dressed up and it has been a lot of fun for everyone.”

Activities included creating 3D alien and monster collages, designing a whole new breed of Doctor Who monsters and a fancy dress competition.

Charlie McGreavy, aged eight, from Astley Bridge, is a huge fan of the Doctor.

His bedroom door resembles the door of the Tardis and was made for him by his grandad.

The youngster’s outfit was also created by his family.

Charlie said: “When I saw the door, I just went ‘wow’. I like Doctor Who because he is funny and there is action. My dad likes it too and whole family can enjoy it together.”

Daniel Birtles, aged 12, from Deane, added: “It has been such a good event, I haven’t been to a Super Saturday before and it is good fun. All ages have taken part and I like Doctor Who because it is full of adventures and excite-ment.”

The day was organised by self-confessed Doctor Who fan, Alex McLeman, the learning officer at the museum.

He said: “Doctor Who is a cultural phenomenon and we wanted to celebrate it at the library. He travels through space and time, which you can do in the Museum by exploring the past. Doctor Who appeals to children and adults and everyone has been enjoying it.”

Viewing figures of TV special break new records

THE 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who has received a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest ever simulcast of a TV drama.

The special show set a new world record after being broadcast in 94 countries across six continents following a massive global campaign.

In addition to the TV broadcast, the episode was screened in more than 1,500 cinemas worldwide, including in the UK, US, Canada, Latin America, Germany, Russia and Scandinavia.

And Doctor Who fans flocked to Cineworld in Bolton to watch Day of the Doctor on the big screen.

There was even a Dalek to greet fans eager to be part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Stephen Halvorsen, manager at Cineworld, at The Valley, said: “It was the busiest single screening we’ve ever had. We had to put it in two of our biggest screens and add extra shows afterwards.”

So big was the demand the cinema screened it again yesterday afternoon.

First broadcast on BBC One on November 23, 1963, Doctor Who is already in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful sci-fi series.