The Daleks are arch-enemies of Doctor Who

Hundreds of evil robots are expected to amass at a stately home next month to mark 40 years of Doctor Who.

The birthday celebrations could be the largest ever gathering of the Doctor's arch enemy - the Daleks.

Longleat, the home of Lord Bath, hosts its 10th annual Doctor Who Day on 3 August and to mark the 40th anniversary, fans are being invited bring Daleks with them in a bid to set a record.

The Wiltshire estate, which boasts a famous safari park and maze, has been home to England's only permanent Doctor Who exhibition for 30 years.

Longleat's Florence Wallace said: "Doctor Who Day is always incredibly popular and we're hoping this year's event will be the biggest and best ever.

"The fact that it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the first episode being televised back in 1963 has definitely added extra interest and we're confident that we will be inundated with Daleks."

The sixth Doctor Who, Colin Baker, will be at the day, along with Sophie Aldred, who played Ace, and John Leeson, the voice of robotic dog K9.

As well as Daleks, visitors can expect to see a variety of other monsters including the dreaded Cybermen who will be patrolling the estate.