A POLICE box reminiscent of Doctor Who's trusty spaceship has landed in a North-East town ahead of a much-awaited charity fundraiser.

Sedgefield-born actor and writer Mark Gatiss will appear at Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday (October 3).

The former Woodham Comprehensive School student – who has appeared in Doctor Who, Sherlock and League of Gentleman – will entertain audience members with stories and anecdotes about his life and career.

A police box with a passing resemblance to the Doctor's TARDIS has been sighted at Darlington Police Station in the run-up to Saturday night's performance.

It is being staged as a fundraiser for a planned £15,000 stone memorial at the police station, for former officers who have passed away.

Mr Gatiss – who has written numerous episodes of Doctor Who since the show was revived in 2005, including The Lazarus Experiment, in 2007, which he both wrote and acted in – appeared at a similar event at Carmel College last year.

Northern Echo editor Peter Barron will once again act as compere for the evening.

Tickets, priced at £17 and £18, are still available. Call the theatre on 01325-486555 or visit darlingtoncivic.co.uk

To donate to the appeal, visit gofundme.com/darlingtonpolice