A NORTH-EAST museum is being turned into a huge dinosaur nest.

The first expectant mothers, with their young in tow, arrived at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle this week.

Robotic models including triceratops, stegosaurus, apatosaurus and oviraptor are among those which will be on display at the exhibition, which opens next Saturday.

It explores the family side of dinosaur life and features adult dinosaurs guarding their young and unhatched eggs.

It also examines the evidence scientists have used to discover how dinosaurs lived and includes eggs, replica skeletons and real fossils.

Museum curator Steve McLean said: "Over the last decade the Hancock Museum has become known for its amazing dinosaur exhibitions and this is set to be the best we have ever had.

"It will be a sensational experience, with some of the most advanced robotic models in the world, which are so lifelike visitors will have to look twice.

The exhibition will run until May 9.

Published: 09/10/2003