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 fan who thinks the cult 1960s television series, which is being rerun on BBC2, is F.A.B.

Alex, 11, will represent the South West in the finals of a competition, devised by the show's creator Gerry Anderson, to design a new Thunderbirds ship Thunderbird Six.

It had to be capable of rescuing two technicians trapped by a massive explosion, causing a flood in the fictitious Atlantic tunnel.

While still a pupil at Westrop School, Alex devised a craft that uses revolutionary navigation equipment and laser technology.

He said: "It took me quite a long time to make sure my drawings were just right. Thunderbirds is set in the future and I wanted my design to be futuristic and to be able to cope with difficult situations."

The youngster hopes his design could feature in the programme, if further episodes are ever made.

As a regional winner Alex has already netted Thunderbirds goodies, including a games console, and stands to scoop £4,000 of computer equipment if he wins in the final.