Star Trek fans are disappointed at plans to replace papier mache Starship Enterprise sets with computer images.

Producers have announced that the next series of the show, which began in 1966, will be made with digital graphics rather than its traditional string-and-paint formed sets.

A computer model of The Enterprise will take the place of the original string-suspended model while paintings of distant planets will be replaced by satellite graphics.

Internet fan message boards have since been flooded by nostalgic concerns from people who have followed the traditional show since its start.

"Star Trek with its papier-mache rocks and bridge of primary colours, is classic," said one, quoted in the Daily Mail. "You can’t fix Star Trek because it’s not broken."

Special effects producer Mike Okuda said new pictures had been based on past models and their integrity would be respected.