A MAN who claims to be Cumbria’s biggest Doctor Who enthusiast has amassed a collection worth thousands of pounds.

Collin Smith’s interest in the universe’s most famous Time Lord was sparked after his mum bought him the 1978 Doctor Who annual.

Since then the 43-year-old has collected more than 300 books, 300 videos and DVDs, many photo prints and even some original costumes.

The 36-year-old collection is now worth more than £6,000 and Collin, who lives in Sedbergh, explained why he fell in love with the BBCs flagship show.

“The character of the doctor was a free thinker and he wanted to explore the universe and break the rules of his own people, so I liked that,” he said.

His most treasured item is a miniature police box dating back to 1943 which inspired the Doctor’s famous Tardis – the perfect time travelling vehicle because “it is a symbol of authority.”

Other stand-out items include a scarf worn by Tom Baker and a famous jumper covered in question-marks which was worn by Sylvester McCoy.

The avid enthusiast has met several members of the cast including Jon Pertwee, who played the Doctor and went for dinner with Debbie Watling, a former Doctor’s assistant, numerous times between 1989 and 1990.

Peter Capaldi, 56, is much older than his predecessors Matt Smith, 31 and David Tennant, 43, but according to Collin that is a good thing.

“He brings a manic maturity to the part which I like. As an actor he has more experience which helps.”

“As a rule the doctor is better when he is played by someone who is over 40.”

“I don’t mind young Doctors because they add something fresh, I just prefer it to be played by an older chap.”

The appointment of an older Doctor also puts an end to the on-off romance with his faithful assistant.

“I wasn’t too happy about the flirting,” said Collin, who also has a Marilyn Monroe collection with £6,000.

“You shouldn’t have the Doctor kissing human women.”

“It’s like cradle-snatching he has been around for two millenia so when he kisses a 21-year-old girl there’s something not right about that.”

Collin has a copy of every episode of the show, which started in 1963, and claims he has never hidden behind the sofa while watching them, even as a child.

His favourite villains were the original Cybermen, but he is not sure about the modern ones.

“They aren’t fierce enough,” he said. “They just stomp their feet a lot but they need to be more aggressive.”

Collin has vowed never to sell his collection and believes there is only one way it could be improved – by getting a full-size Tardis.

“I think it would have to go outside!” he said.