A CHANCE meeting at a screening of blockbuster science fiction film Independence Day sparked a plan to bring together fans of an intergalactic timelord.

John Ashworth and Cris Ryan want to hear from anyone interested in setting up an East Lancashire club for Dr Who fans.

John, 28, of Arran Avenue, Shadsworth, Blackburn, explained how he and Cris discovered they had a common interest.

"I was at the cinema for Independence Day," he said.

"I just happened to have a Dalek T-shirt on and he asked me if I was a fan. I said 'yes' and it went on from there."

Cris was actively involved in a Dr Who fan club in Plymouth before moving to Blackburn recently. Coincidentally, both men were thinking of placing advertisements in the press for fellow fans to get together. At the moment there are only the two of them but they are confident that more Dr Who lovers are out there. "When the new video came out with Paul McGann as Dr Who, WH Smith was taking a lot of orders for it so I know there must be quite a few fans in the Blackburn area," said John.

"I tried to get a list of names to contact but they said it was confidential."

Factory worker John, who has a big collection of Dr Who memorabilia at his home, added:

"I've always liked Dr Who throughout my life but in the last year-and-a-half I've really got back into it."

The duo plan to meet on Tuesday nights in the Brewers Arms, Blackburn, and anyone wanting to swap stories of Cybermen and Daleks should contact John on 01254 673947.

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