The BBC will today unveil the answer to the prayers of millions of children - an online Doctor Who game that lets users become the Doctor.

From 6pm users of the BBC Doctor Who website will be able to star in their own Doctor Who stories in comic book-style animations.

In the game, Comic Maker, users submit a picture of themselves and adjust the image to build their own Doctor Who character.

Each month Comic Maker will feature an online comic made by a member of the cast and crew that will showcase the ten best Doctor Who stories created by users.

Anyone creating a Doctor Who comic story has their finished version emailed to them.

Because the facility is likely to be popular with children, the site will also be carefully moderated for what the BBC terms "safety reasons".

If successful, the free Comic Maker service will join a host of spin-offs from the series, some of which have proved lucrative for the BBC's commercial arm, BBC Worldwide.

Last Christmas, a Cyberman voice-changer helmet, a remote control K9, an electronic Tardis and a radio-controlled Dalek were among the most popular children's toys on the market.

The show's lead writer and executive producer, Russell T Davies, whose voice will be heard on Comic Maker talking users through the animation process, said: "For the very first time, fans of the show will be able to create their own Doctor Who adventure and bring it to life.

"This Comic Maker will allow fans to interact with every aspect of the exciting and magical world of Doctor Who.

"This is your chance to be the Doctor's companion and take on the Daleks."

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