A HOLLYWOOD film studio gave the Vulcan salute to a video-maker who proved his unrivalled passion for Star Trek.

Universal Pictures hailed Gary O'Brien as the 'ultimate Trekker' after he recited supreme intergalactic knowledge, beating 70 other shortlisted Trek-sperts during a trying quiz.

The 34-year-old impressed judges with a perfect score as he reeled off captain names and full starship registration numbers, winning a costume worn in the sci-fi series' latest film and a VIP trip to Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.

Mr O'Brien, who lives near Watlington, said: "There were definitely people there who were my peers in knowledge, I think it was luck of the draw on the day.

"I used to watch it with my brother and dad. I've tried to figure out what my reasons were for liking it – I just did.

"It's got a really hopeful vision of the future. I wouldn't describe it as an obsession, I don't think I'm a Star Trek bore."

He surpassed 300 UK applicants to be picked for the fiendish quiz in London, breezing through questions set by Star Trek fanatic and film buff James Dyer.

Mr Dyer, editor of film website Empire, said: "Gary absolutely annihilated the test, completely nailing even the most brutal questions without breaking a sweat.

"I’m beginning to suspect he might actually be Vulcan."

Mr O’Brien said he started watching the TV show when he was a boy and was fascinated by facts in the Star Trek encyclopaedias.

The show and films inspired him to make model spaceships and wooden furniture that he etches with Star Trek symbols.

Among his creations is a storage table baring the triangular Star Trek badge, which houses box sets for all 177 episodes of Star Trek and Star Trek: Enterprise.

Mr O'Brien said his favourite character was probably Captain Jean-Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stuart in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

He said: "There are plenty of great characters but I would have to say Picard, because he's a very thoughtful and moral person."

Mr O'Brien added: "One way or another I do something Star Trek related every day, it might be watching an episode.

"I've watched them all a bunch of times over the years. They are always upbeat.”

He said The Visitor, from the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine series, was one of his top episodes because it was 'an emotional story and you do not really need to be a fan to enjoy it'.

Mr O’Brien makes corporate videos for companies but also co-creates quirkier videos in his spare time through crowdfunding.

His most recent venture is a Star Trek fan film called Chance Encounter.

He said: "I always enjoyed making films, going back to when I was about 10. My friend from school used to help me make goofy videos on VHS using my dad's camcorder."

He and girlfriend Gemma enjoy taking trips to Star Trek conventions dressed in their Vulcan costumes, including the black and blue top made famous by Spock.

The competition marked the DVD and Blu-Ray release of Paramount’s film Star Trek Beyond.

Recruitment agency Manpower enlisted applicants by advertising the role of ‘honorary vice admiral of Yorktown’, a fictional space station which features in the movie.

Consider yourself a proper Trekkie if you can answer some of these tough questions...

1 During the starship Voyager’s extended mission in the Delta Quadrant, it took on a human crewmember who had been assimilated by The Borg.

She was known as Seven of Nine. What was her Borg designation?

2 What was the name of Commander Data’s pet cat?

3 A Vulcan undergoes a specific ritual to purge his or herself of all emotion. By what name is this ritual known?

The answers will be revealed at 5pm today