Cathedral to host giant dinosaur skeleton model

A full-scale model skeleton of one of the largest creatures to ever walk on Earth is to go on display outside of London for the first time.

The cast of the Patagotitan Mayorum dinosaur measures 37m (121ft) from head to tail and it is eight metres (26ft) tall.

The Natural History Museum is lending it to Peterborough Cathedral from mid-April.

Jack Pishhorn, chief operating officer, said: "This is one of the most ambitious and internationally significant exhibitions the cathedral has ever presented.

"To welcome a dinosaur from the world-renowned Natural History Museum to Peterborough is extraordinary, and we are proud to make an experience of this scale accessible here in our city."

Patagotitan was a dinosaur that lived 100 million years ago in South America.

The colossal beast, which was a long-necked herbivore, could have weighed up to 60 or 70 tonnes.

Discovered in Argentina in 2010, the original fossil remains of Patagotitan were first identified when a local farmer noticed a bone emerging from the ground.

Subsequent excavations uncovered about 280 bones from at least six individuals, providing scientists with one of the most complete records ever found of a giant dinosaur.

Bethan Parry, director of strategy and innovation at the Natural History Museum, said: "Its immense scale reminds us of the extraordinary giants that once roamed our planet and of the remarkable animals we still share it with today, from elephants and rhinos to blue whales, many of which are now under threat from habitat loss and human impact.

"We hope Titanosaur's residency will inspire visitors of all ages to connect with nature, champion biodiversity and help protect our planet for future generations."

The dinosaur will be on display until 31 May.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.