They look surprisingly life-like and they don't travel around by rocket.
Time out - members of International Rescue, Bev Miller, Tracy Bowen, Anand Mehta, Kerri Hurley, Kris Hurley and Helen Farley watch the Thunderbirds film. Picture: STEVE ARGENT
But just like the Traceys, they are ready and waiting at the drop of a hat to help people in trouble.
The real International Rescue turned up to watch the new Thunderbirds film in Colchester.
Formed to respond to the Italian earthquake disaster of 1981, the group is regularly called upon to help save lives in the aftermath of tragic events all over the world.
Its founders were not inspired by the puppet stars who united under the same name to save the world on a weekly basis in the cult Thunderbirds TV series.
But the show's creator, Jerry Anderson, volunteered to become their first president when they asked his permission to borrow the moniker.
Members of the eastern region branch were keen to take a look at Hollywood's 21st century take on the characters when they assembled at the Odeon in Head Street on Saturday.
Co-ordinator Helen Farley, who attended the Turkey earthquake in 1999 and helped with the police search after the Soham murders, said: "Everyone always rips into us about it. When I joined International Rescue, the girls at work bought me a Thunderbirds mouse-mat for my desk."
Published Tuesday August 3, 2004
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