A SPECIAL birthday cake and activities marked the 50th anniversary of the world's longest-running TV science-fiction show.

The celebration of Doctor Who at the Newnham community library took place exactly 50 years to the day that the show was first transmitted.

Even a Dalek – whose usual home is Littledean Jail – turned up to the event at the Armoury Hall.

A special Dalek birthday cake baked by Mary Steward was cut and shared out among the children who took part and they also sang Happy Birthday to the Doctor.

Around 100 children took part in craft activities including salt dough decorations and posters and masks to paint.

There were also displays of Doctor Who memorabilia by young fans in the village.

Paul Manning, one of the organisers of the day, said: "It's been very a very successful day.

"Everyone seems to have enjoyed it and it has also encouraged children to come to the library."