A green-fingered couple with a passion for Doctor Who combined their hobbies by converting a Tardis into an allotment shed, it was revealed today.

Philippa Morgan and Declan McSweeney, from Wiltshire, needed a new shed and decided to do "something different" after seeing a replica of the BBC's famous time machine up for auction.

Now the blue police box is the envy of other allotment owners in Devizes and the pair can confirm it seems bigger inside than it appears.

Their winning £202 bid was the second highest for the 10ft tall Tardis, which was offered by Wiltshire Fencing and Landscaping to raise money for the county's Air Ambulance appeal. The highest bidder, who put up £250, pulled out.

The plywood Tardis was made for a Doctor Who-themed float at Devizes and Pewsey carnivals last year.

Now the impressive prop has a second life at the Quakers Walk allotments keeping tools safe from the elements.

Ms Morgan, a project manager at Wiltshire County Council, told the Wiltshire Gazette: "We needed a shed for our allotment and we thought the Tardis would be something a bit different. We were thrilled to bits to get it.

"It's become a talking point, people ask us how the Tardis is and it's fun for children to see it."

Asked if the Tardis seemed to expand magically on the inside, just as it does in the BBC drama, she replied: "Definitely".

She and Mr McSweeney, a computer programmer, are keen Doctor Who fans and have recently been watching the latest David Tennant DVD.

They are planning a "Tardis-warming" party when the weather improves.