Robin Hood's life-size working Dalek up for auction

A working Dalek from a memorabilia collection previously owned by Nottingham's official Robin Hood is to be auctioned.

Tim Pollard was known for his portrayal of the legendary outlaw from 1996 until his death in 2025, which led to an outpouring of mourning from residents.

His belongings included a life-sized Dalek - complete with motors and joystick controls - a limited-edition studio-scale Eagle Transporter from Space: 1999, and several South African artefacts.

The collection - which numbers more than 1,500 items - is being sold at Derbyshire-based Hansons Auctioneers by Pollard's father-in-law, Stephen Plummer, with the proceeds going towards the care of Pollard's surviving daughter.

While playing Robin Hood, Pollard spent years raising money for breast cancer charities following the death of his wife Sally, who also played Maid Marian.

Plummer, who manages Pollard's estate, said his son-in-law's love of collecting came from his time working for Nottinghamshire companies, such as Games Workshop and Citadel Miniatures in the 1980s, as well as from his passion for sci-fi and his time studying African art at university in London.

He said he hoped the auction would showcase the wide range of interests he had, as well as provide financial support for his granddaughter.

"He was very educated, engaging, articulate [and] humorous," he said.

"[His daughter] is only 12, so she's got a long time ahead of her, and obviously needs to be financially supported, and this will go towards that."

The motorised Dalek, the first item to go under the hammer on Thursday, is still operational and can be controlled from the inside using a joystick controller.

The inside of the helmet of the fictional cyborg has also been signed by multiple members of the Doctor Who cast and crew, including Nicholas Briggs and Barnaby Edwards, the voice and pilot behind the Daleks' live action appearances.

Charles Hanson, of Hansons Auctioneers, said: "It is exactly the sort of object that makes auctions fascinating because there is far more to it than its appearance.

"It has personality, provenance and a connection to a television institution that has entertained generations.

"A working Dalek is certainly not something you come across every day."

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