Shropshire Doctor Who fans join 50th anniversary celebration

Millions of viewers from around the world tuned in to watch the special anniversary The Day of the Doctor, which was simulcast across 18 different countries at the same time.

And thousands descended on the NEC in Birmingham to look at Dr Who memorabilia, including Timelord nut Jason Wardman, from Telford, 42, who brought his own Tardis and Dalek along.

As well as the thousands watching the 50th anniversaru show in the comfort of their own home, Whovians in Shropshire visited many of the county's cinemas, some of which were broadcasting the episode in 3D, when it was shown at 7.50pm UK time.

Kino Culture in Oswestry, which is inside the Guildhall, was full to brimming for the event.

And at the Majestic Cinema in Bridgnorth, manager James Frizzell revealed he and all cinema managers were sworn to secrecy before the screening, with an email sent directly from the show's writer Stephen Moffatt appealing for them not to watch it and keep the recording locked up until the simulcast took place.

Many of the Majestic's customers took the opportunity to watch the show in full costume as their favourite Doctor.

One such viewer was 28-year-old Roy Hamilton, who dressed as eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith – complete with fez.

He said: "I only got into it in about 2008, I sat down to watch one episode with friends who were already in to it and from then on I was hooked – and started dressing up.

"I think the reason it is so popular is because it can change at any moment, it's not one show, it can be whatever you want it to be, romance, horror, that's what keeps it fresh and interesting."

Despite visiting the Majestic to watch the show in 3D, Mr Hamilton was also recording the episode at home to watch again later.

He said: "The simulcast is not something I've ever heard about before, something that's not the news or moon landings being broadcast at the same time.

"It is great that they have managed to keep it a secret, especially with social media."

Travelling all the way from Ludlow to watch the showing in Bridgnorth in full costume were 11-year-old Cameron Bogazianos and 16-year-old Tahlina Borradaile.

Cameron said: "It's fun being a part of everyone watching at the same time, wherever they live."

Tahlina said: "I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I'm really looking forward to it."

Armed with their sonic screwdrivers were 21-year-old Will Haywood from St Georges, 33-year-old Leigh Kendall from Ketley Bank and 44-year-old Robin Cooper from Ketley, who are all part of local theatre group the Telford and District Light Operatic Players.

Mr Heywood said: "I'm a massive Doctor Who fan and I'm very much looking forward to watching it.

"I honestly don't know what's going to happen, I want to be surprised. I think the simulcast is a brilliant idea, it brings the whole Whovian race together."

The showing was similarly well attended at other cinemas across the county

Also showing the screening was the Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton, which sold a total of 131 tickets.

Geoff Vernon, chair of the centre, said: "We're very excited to be part of the simulcast. Anything like this is great for us. Now we are starting to have what we call alternative transmissions by satellite so this adds an extra dimension.

"People were really looking forward to the showing, we had one or two dressed up in Dickie Bows, they were all really entering into the spirit of it."

And in Cineworld in Shrewsbury, although the actual number of tickets sold couldn't be confirmed, manager John Cox said the screening had been very well attended.

He said: "We got quite a lot of customers dressed up and were waiting here very early.

"We do a lot of events like this, but this is looking like it is going to be our most popular one so far."

But what did the fans think?

After the screening ended, fan Will Haywood said: "As a true Whovian there is only one word to describe this special, Epic

"The special had fans gripped from the opening credits right until the iconic music was heard at the climax of the programme, described as a love letter to the fans and it certainly didn't disappoint with a brilliant storyline that included references to many different eras of the Time Lord's history as well as an unexpected, but brilliant, cameo appearance from legendary doctor Tom Baker, a must see for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

"Here's to another 50 years of everyone's favourite Doctor."