MUSEUM visitors took the chance to get up close to some live exhibits, normally only viewed from a safe distance.

The Hancock Museum, in Newcastle, released some of its more exotic live attractions, normally kept out of harms way in secure cases and cages.

Bolder visitors were allowed to touch, and in some cases hold, the creature in question, all under the watchful gaze of experts.

Experienced handlers removed a selection of exhibits from their tanks for the event, including cockroaches, snakes, tarantulas, and giant centipedes.

Visitors were also invited to discover more about bats, to dispel a few myths about the night-flying mammals.

Anyone taking advantage of the opportunity to examine the various creatures on show was also welcome to cast an eye round the rest of the museum's displays, including Land of the Pharaohs, looking at life in Ancient Egypt, Earthworks, examining the cosmic and geological forces shaping our world, and Living Planet, focusing on endangered species and the importance of being environmentally-friendly.

The museum, in Barras Bridge, Newcastle, is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am and 5pm, and on Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. Admission is £3.95 for adults, £2.50 for children and other concessions, and £12 for a family ticket