BIRCHWOOD residents were on their guard last week, as dinosaurs descended upon Birchwood Shopping Centre.

The prehistoric creatures rampaged through the shopping centre as part of a 'Meet the Dinosaurs' event on Thursday, August 25.

It was the latest in a series of free events that are being run by the shopping centre.

Warrington Guardian: Rangers were on hand to keep the dinosaurs under controlRangers were on hand to keep the dinosaurs under control

The event was free to enter - as are all the events hosted on the Birchwood site - and it attracted visitors of all ages.

There were a variety of activities for children on the day, including arts and crafts, and meeting 'friendly baby dinos.'

Visitors were completely safe from the dinosaurs, as the creatures' handlers were there to talk to shoppers who wanted to ask questions about the towering beasts.

A Tyrannosaurus-rex stomped through the shopping centre, as the rangers hosted a storytime event against a backdrop of giant dinosaur eggs and prehistoric plant life - which shoppers enjoyed taking selfies with.

Warrington Guardian: The event gave shoppers the chance to get up close and personal with the creaturesThe event gave shoppers the chance to get up close and personal with the creatures

Christopher Evans, marketing executive for Birchwood Shopping Centre, teased the return of the event, saying: "The day was a huge success and the dinosaurs might be returning next year!"

He added: "Keep a look out on the shopping centre's social media for upcoming events.

"Coming soon is a circus-themed event and outdoor artisan market on September 24, and of course Halloween."