Doctor Who may be able to stop Daleks taking over Earth - but preventing their invasion of our streets is not proving so easy.

After the success of their recent trip to Brighton in February the Timelord's arch-enemies are back for more.

Two months ago passers-by were stunned to find themselves face to face with a Dalek outside the Brighton Centre and then waiting for a bus.

The replica was in the city to promote Modelworld 2005.

This time they will be joined by the Tardis for an exhibition on the Palace Pier throughout the summer.

The revived science-fiction series, starring Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper, drew more than ten million viewers during one of its episodes in March.

Costumes worn by the characters, interactive displays and models of some of the most horrifying monsters are expected to go on display for the official exhibition to accompany the ninth incarnation of Dr Who.

Palace Pier attracts around four million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South-East.

The venue is run by the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier Company on behalf of the Noble Organisation, based in Newcastle.

Anne Grainger, head of the resort division, said: "When we first started talking to the exhibition organisers, the first episode of Dr Who had not even gone out.

"But the show is going very well now and this exhibition should be stunning.

"There is a lighting display going up which would put Wembley Stadium to shame."

Less than halfway through the latest series and fans of the show have been shot back in time to 1869 England to meet Charles Dickens.

In another episode, the Doctor travelled to the year five billion AD to witness the end of the earth.

Television bosses have already commissioned another series with actor David Tennant replacing Eccleston, who announced he was quitting the programme only hours after the first episode was screened.

The exhibition will run in the Pleasure Dome from May until October.

Mrs Grainger said: "We are always interested in things which will add to the experience for visitors to the pier and tourism in Brighton.

"There were several other contenders for the show but we are hopeful we will have the exhibition up in the next three weeks. It won't do any harm for the city even if only half the Dr Who fans come."

Meanwhile the BBC is planning a range of merchandise to cash in on its hit show.

Among 70 products out in the autumn is a £30 remote-control Dalek.

There will also be action figures of Christopher Eccleston as The Doctor and Billie Piper as Rose, his assistant.