THEY are one of the most feared creatures in the universe.
A simple cry of 'exterminate' can send grown men running behind the sofa, quivering with fright.
But one brave man and his son have proved nothing can scare them – after keeping a homemade Dalek in their house.
Dave Morgan has created Doctor Who's greatest foe with his son, 12-year-old Christopher.
And the pair now take the alien creature – known as Dexter – to schools and events across the UK to raise money for charity.
Dave, of Station Road, Bishop's Cleeve, said his plan had always been to encourage his son, a pupil at Cleeve School, to spend his spare time using his hands.
"I decided to build a Dalek because I wanted to influence my son," said Dave, who runs Fenster Commercial Ltd in Highfield Business Park, Tewkesbury.
"I've been into Doctor Who since the year zero. There was a part of me that wanted to get Christopher interested in engineering as well.
"Too many 12-year-olds just sit in front of the computers these days and I wanted him to be doing something more."
While the pair continue to adjust and repair their creation, the Dalek did not take too long to build.
"We bought a basic shell, much like you would with a shop dummy, and have then built up the electrics and structure from there," added Dave.
"From starting with the shell, it took around six months to complete.
"It is currently undergoing a few repairs at home. The work is always on-going."
Doctor Who, one of the BBC's longest-running shows, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in November.
A special episode is currently being filmed for the show's 50th anniversary which will see the present Doctor and his companion Clara Oswald, played by Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman, joining forces with the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant.
Dave feels the show's popularity is not waning.
"Children are always excited to see it and there is certainly a growing interest this year because of the anniversary," he said.
"We belong to a charity group and go wherever they want us to help."
