SOMETHING deadly is taking shape behind closed doors at a garage in Rodbourne.

Since January, self-employed design engineer Steve Wood and computer engineer Peter Turner have spent their spare moments designing and creating a radio-controlled fighting robot, complete with whirling blades and armour plating.

Their metallic menace, named Gyrobot, will be pitted against a host of similar fiendish constructions as part of the BBC television programme Robot Wars in a bid for gladiatorial glory on July 25.

Father-of-one Steve said: "We have thought long and hard about the design of the robot and we are confident that we are in with a fighting chance."

He explained that the robot has a rotating ring of steel which will spin at a dizzying 5,000 revolutions a minute.

And two pairs of hardened metal cutting blades attached to the ring are designed to tear apart opposing robots.

Steve, 30, explained: "It is something I have always wanted to have a go at. Having watched the programme I have always thought that I could do better than some of the entries.

"Most of the components are tailor-made for the robot. And we are going to cover the outside in latex which will act as a form of shock absorber. We are pretty confident it will give the other competitors a run for their money."

Co-designer Pete, 33, said: "My two children are really interested in the project but our long-suffering wives have become robot widows to some extent."

He said the project has cost about £1,500 so far.

"I suppose like any hobby it costs a lot of money. But there is a cash prize this year so we are hoping to get a share of that. We are looking forward to taking part."

He explained that they have been able to develop their innovative ideas thanks to workshop facilities at Oxford College of Further Education, which has launched its own Robot Wars course for budding engineers.

The BBC2 programme, presented by comedian and writer Craig Charles has become a cult hit, attracting more than four million viewers. It has its own website and fan club, and versions of the programme are screened in America and in Europe. Oxford College can be contacted on 01865 269269.

Anyone who wants to follow the progress of the Swindon-based robo-warriors can log onto their website at: www.gyrobot.co.uk

Tickets are now on sale to see the Robot Wars event at the Cardiff Arena on July 25. For more information ring 0114 256 5656.