GENERATIONS of children have all dived for cover behind the sofa when the haunting sounds of that familiar theme tune began blaring from the corner of their living-room.

Yes, for those of us who have grown up with the Doctor, 25 minutes of hiding was part of a traditional Saturday night's family entertainment.

From William Hartnell to Paul McGann, the Cybermen to the Daleks, BBC TV's Doctor Who captured the imaginations of millions.

Now the Doctor is being sent on a new adventure through space and time - thanks to a Hampshire author.

Peter Anghelides, 37, of Chandler's Ford, has set the renegade Time Lord one of his most taxing adventures yet - and given it a topical twist. For in the thriller, entitled Doctor Who: Frontier Worlds, the Doctor will not be fighting Daleks - instead, he will be visiting a distant planet and pitting his wits against scientists dabbling with genetically-modified foods.

The modern theme has brought rave reviews from the book press, which says it is one of the best re-creations of Doctor Who in print form.

Peter said: "I used to watch the TV programmes as a child and I am quite a big fan.

"I have to admit that I have been to the occasional convention.

"It seemed too good to be true, as I have always enjoyed writing. To get paid for my hobby was fantastic."

Peter, who works for IBM in Hursley, has also had an audio story used by the BBC, which was performed by Doctor Who actor Paul McGann.

"I hope that they decide to bring the television show back. I think it would be a huge success," said Peter.

"With the technology as advanced as it is now, I think there would be an awful lot more scope in the storylines, and the sets would also be a lot more impressive."

Peter will also be writing another novel on the cult time traveller later in the year and is looking at writing further audio plays for the BBC. "I now have a couple of things lined up for the BBC, if my day job allows. Unlike the Doctor, I find my time is limited."

The book's release comes hot on the heels of Doctor Who Night last Saturday and repeats of the series on BBC2 on Tuesday evenings.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.