They might be among the most fearsome characters in science fiction, but a Dalek has been spotted in a less threatening pose... on a walk in Folkestone.

A full-size replica of the mutant from TV series Doctor Who was seen taking a stroll with a woman in the town.

Heads were turned at the unusual sight, near The Leas, over the weekend and a picture posted to Twitter.

The pony-tailed woman looked perfectly at ease with the distinctive TV villain, which was almost her height. And no wonder, since they are in fact married couple Richard (the Dalek) and Paula Knights.

Various other sci-fi characters - including a Stormtrooper and a Jedi Knight from the movie series Star Wars, plus an ape from the film Planet of the Apes - were in the town over the weekend for a photo shoot for next year's Sci-Fi day event organised by the group Planet Folkestone which will be on May 10.

The group are set to hold a charity Zombie Walk around the town on Saturday, October 5. More details to come in the Kentish Express, out on Thursday.