Five...four...three...two...one...THUNDER ERBIRDS ARE 60

IT has been 60 years since the world first heard the famous words "Thunderbirds are go!"

- SUE LEE

But the iconic sci-fi show continues to thrill fans young and old.

"It's unmatched worldwide," says Jamie Anderson, 40, a director and writer, who keeps the legacy of his late father - Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson - alive.

"I think if Dad was here he'd be pretty amazed there is still such interest in his work - and touched." Jamie has collaborated on the exhibition Thunderbirds & Space: 1999, a Celebration of Sci-fi Toys and Collectibles. Space: 1999 was another of his dad's creations.

And two specially restored Thunderbirds episodes will be released in cinemas on September 20, to mark the milestone.

The exhibition will display unseen memorabilia from across the world, including some from Gerry's estate. He created the show with second wife Sylvia.

Jamie says: "I think it will be quite emotional for a lot of people.

Thunderbirds crosses the generations and that's rather lovely.

"I suspect we'll see grandparents, parents and children there. It's about memories - passing them on and making new ones." Already a successful TV director, Gerry was inspired to create his biggest hit after watching news of a mining disaster in Germany in 1963.

Rescuers drilled a borehole to bring survivors out, triggering his idea for an international team to tackle global catastrophes.