WITH chunks of shrapnel from dismembered contestants flying through the air at 200mph, there is little doubt that Robot Wars is the most dangerous televised sport in the world.

The BBC2 series has made stars of the metal robots, which mangle their defeated remote-controlled opponents.

While preparing to record the fifth series this month, the show's fiery furnaces, whirling blades, fierce flippers and powerful pincers were on display at Newcastle's Telewest Arena at the weekend.

Behind the same kind of bulletproof barriers which protect the Pope, the audiences cheered and chanted as contenders named Dinochrome, Ripper, Battlestar, Dorcus, which cost £3,500, and Loggerhead, from Barnard Castle, County Durham, clanked into combat.

Built and driven by Bowes garage owner Anthony Hobson, 35, the £500 contender had jaws operated by Chris Tipping, 38, and Rueben Gibson, 31, as engineer.

"Sadly, we drew a robot called S3 from Leicester which is thought to be this year's top contender," said Mr Hobson.

He is still confident that Loggerhead's showing can earn an invitation to take part in the BBC's filming session from next Sunday.

Derek Foxwell has been in charge of the event since ex-Newcastle Royal Grammar School pupil and TV boss Tom Gutteridge bought the rights in 1995. On Saturday and yesterday, the TV host of Robot Wars, Craig Charles presented a feast of metallic mayhem