Parker has sprung to the aid of International Rescue once again but it is not the famous puppet chauffeur receiving the accolades.

Highworth's Alex Parker is a Thunderbirds fanatic who thinks the cult 1960s television series is F.A.B.

Alex, 11, who recently started at Warneford School, will represent the South West in the finals of a competition to design a new Thunderbirds ship Thunderbird 6.

The competition was devised by Gerry Anderson, the show's creator, who asked youngsters to dream up a new craft to assist International Rescue in its toughest ever mission.

While still a pupil at Westrop School, Alex was challenged to create a ship that would be capable of

rescuing two technicians trapped by a massive explosion, causing a huge flood in the fictitious Atlantic tunnel.

He said: "Thunderbirds is set in the future and I wanted my design to be futuristic and to be able to cope with difficult situations."

Alex's blueprint and accompanying story clearly impressed the judges. He must now wait and see if his design scoops the national award.

Thunderbirds has been a children's favourite since 1964 and there has been a lot of talk about creating a new series or maybe even a film.

Jan Thomas, the headteacher of Westrop Primary School in Highworth, said: "We do encourage our pupils to take part in competitions.

"We had eight children taking part in the Thunderbirds one this summer.

"Alex absolutely loved it, and his design was amazing. I really hope his design sweeps the board nationally. He deserves it.

"We are really proud of him here and I am sure he will go very far at his new school."

As a regional winner Alex has already netted a selection of Thunderbirds goodies, including a games console and Thunderbirds game.