THOUSANDS of people have visited a museum to view stunning images of the natural world.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is on loan to the Beacon Museum, in Whitehaven, from London’s Natural History Museum.

It features exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

Nicola Lawson, assistant curator at the Beacon Museum, said: “It’s going really well. We’ve had a lot of great feedback. It’s something that people look forward to in our programme. We’ve had a lot of interest.

“We’ve had lots of locals and people from further afield. It’s great that we have been able to bring it to people in the north west.

“It’s been such a great opportunity for us to showcase a national exhibition in West Cumbria. The images are so powerful in the story they tell.”

Wildlife Photographer of the Year runs at The Beacon Museum until Sunday. For more information, phone 01946 592302 or visit www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk