Monster spotting is all the rage in the Lakes

The unveiling of a set of intriguing photographs is causing visitors to the Aquarium of the Lakes, near Newby Bridge, Cumbria, to ask the question: "What's that coming out of the lake - is it a monster?"

As fascination in pre-historic and futuristic creatures is at an all time high, thanks to hit TV series, Primeval, the Aquarium has joined forces with photographer, Linden Adams, to allow visitors to make their own minds up about the anomaly he spotted whilst out walking the fells.

Linden Adams snapped shots of what appears to be a 20-metres long, serpent-like creature, with a head like a labrador, but bigger. Independent experts have verified that pictures taken on February 5, 2007 have not been doctored or enhanced.

Around 5 metres of creature was visible, but another 15 metres is estimated to be under the water, judging by the wake it causes. The photographs relate to no known fish or vertebrate species previously seen in Windermere.

These pictures are now displayed in the Aquarium, enabling visitors to view the phenomenon and suggest whether they believe it to be a monster. They can also explore other theories, by studying the attraction's otters and large freshwater fish, to assess whether they feel a family of otters out for a swim, or a large eel, carp or catfish, could be responsible.

In Primeval, creatures move through anomalies in time caused after earthquakes rupture fault lines, ripping the boundaries between dimensions apart. One episode featured a Mosasaur emerging from a still, winter's reservoir. Mosasaurs were long, large-headed, short-necked cousins of dinosaurs, originally living on land and evolving at sea. They needed to come up for air and reached up to 17 metres in length.

Glacial movements during the last Ice Age, between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago, created the Lake District's stunning mountain and lake scenery. The Aquarium's visitors can trace the journey of water from hilltop to sea, through exhibits and displays relating to the region's geological past.

Quakes on the fault line from Ireland, to the Isle of Man and then on to Cumbria occurred in both 1984 and 2004. Loch Ness also lies on a fault line. For younger visitors, in particular, the thought of a creature having swum through an anomaly is leading to uncontrollable excitement!

Linden Adams is not alone in having spotted the strange sight in the lake, as there have been seven other individual sightings of this mysterious, underwater body. In July 2007, a boat moored, for the night, at the north end of the lake was bumped by what appeared to be a large creature swimming in the lake. This woke all the crew.

The Aquarium of the Lakes' marketing manager, Katharine Beaumont, says: "What is swimming around Windermere is somewhat of a mystery, as we have many different species here, but none that fit the photographic evidence of our Linden Adams display.

"Visitors are highly intrigued by the photographs and end their visit with a trip to our lake-side café, where their eyes are glued on the lake, particularly as it is relatively tranquil, at this time of year. We know Mosasaurs quickly pounced on prey in shallow waters, so the shoreline is likely to have many binoculars trained on it during 2008. Monster spotting is likely to become the new craze this year!"

The Linden Adams Monster Display will be at the Aquarium throughout 2008, with special events being created around it. These will give children the chance to draw their version of what is being christened Bownessie!

More information about the Aquarium of the Lakes is available at Aquariumofthelakes.co.uk.

The Aquarium is open all year round and is on the southern shore of Windermere. Admission costs £7.50 for an adult, £5.00 for a child and £6.50 for concessions. Family tickets are available from £22 upwards.* Last admission is at 4pm in winter and 5pm from March 15, with the Aquarium closing at 5pm and 6pm respectively.

* Prices from March 1 will increase to £8.50 for an adult, £5.50 for a child aged 3-15, £7.00 for concessions and £25.00 for a family of two adults and two children. Other family options apply.