They were the universe's ultimate bad guys - wreaking havoc with an egg whisk and a sink plunger.

But now the Daleks are employing their menacing weaponry to an altogether more civic cause - protecting Worthing's washed up timber from scavengers.

Passers by were stunned to find themselves face to face with Doctor Who's arch enemy as it guarded the wood which came from the stricken cargo vessel Ice Prince.

The Dalek may have been many miles from its home planet of Skaro but showed no signs of nervousness as it paraded along the prom, stopping for advice at the tourist information centre, and gulping an ice cream.

The appearance may have sparked fears the Dalek was leading an invasion of the Earth through Sussex.

In fact it is the property of John MacGregor, of Marine Parade, Worthing, who said: "We managed to scare the earthlings present, patrol the wood in case of vandalism, and buy ice creams and obtain tourist information too.

"The Dalek even made it to the pier and trundled quite happily to admire the view, before attempting to exterminate a few locals who got too close."

The Dalek successfully guarded the timber, preventing daytrippers from pinching the planks and even tried boarding the seafront train - but found he was too fat.

Mr MacGregor took the Dalek on the beach jaunt on his way to a repair centre for some minor work.

He said: "We went out to have a bit of fun, and were asked if we were promoting something almost as much as being asked if it was real.

"What is a real Dalek? It is as real as any other Dalek."

See a video of the Dalek patrolling the timber and fending off a cameraman below