COSTUMES and props from Thunderbirds and Lost in Space are among the exhibits at Middlesbrough's Dorman Museum from this weekend.

An exclusive collection of comic strips of "Robo Machines" - the pre-cursor to the Transformers - by the late Middlesbrough artist Mario Capaldi, will also be on display.

From Star Trek to Stargate, Alien to Andromeda, fans of sci-fi can see aliens both villainous and heroic from some of the best-known franchises in the world, including Doctor Who and Star Wars, in the "Invasion" exhibition.

Famous costumes, including Matt LeBlanc's space suit from Lost in Space and a Thunderbirds flight suit, will also be on display.

The Capaldi artwork, which has never been on public display before, has been lent to the museum by the artist's daughter Vanda.

Senior Museum Curator Phil Philo said: “There are costumes and props from huge blockbuster films and television series spanning a number of decades, so it’s a great exhibition for people of all ages.

“We are also very excited to be able to display a selection of Mario Capaldi’s original comic artworks for the first time which will add a unique, local twist to the exhibition.”

The museum will also be offering free craft activities for families during the half term holiday on Wednesday, October 28 and Friday, October 30, as well as a craft fair on Thursday, October 29.

Invasion will run at the Dorman Museum from Saturday, October 3 to Sunday, January 17. Admission is £4 per adult, £2.50 per concession and a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) is £10. For more information, call the museum reception on 01642 813781.