THE crash, bang, wallop, circular saws and flame throwers that have made the BBC2 programme Robot Wars a success worldwide, take centre stage this weekend.

Sir Killalot, Matilda, Dead Metal and Sergeant Bash, the awesome house robots of television, will be in action today and tomorrow at Newcastle's Telewest Arena.

They are appearing as part of the first nationwide tour by the show.

The programme, which is about to begin its fifth series, involves pitting homemade robots, some armed with flails and flame-throwers, against each other in a test of destruction.

More than 1,000 teams entered robots in series four, but only 320 made it to the first round.

Last month, the British makers, The Television Corporation, signed a deal with media group Viacom to take Robot Wars to the US.

The BBC has signed a two-year deal for 64 more episodes with 15 filmed in front of live audiences at Tomorrow's World Live, at Earl's Court.

Robot Wars: The Fifth Wars, starts filming in August, with robots competing for £10,000 prize money.

Later Robot Wars: The Second World Championships will offer a prize fund of more than £50,000.

Arena tickets are £15, £12.50 and £10 or a family pass (six tickets) £75. Box office: 0870 707 8000 (24 hours).