A very popular dinosaur has welcomed its 100,000th guest.

It's been eight weeks since Dippy the Diplodocus, the Natural History Museum’s iconic 26-metre cast dinosaur, arrived in Dorchester on the first stop of his UK tour.

And last week, four-year old Benjamin from Poundbury was Dippy’s 100,000th guest.

Sir Mike Dixon, director of the Natural History Museum, Dr Jon Murden, director of Dorset County Museum and professor Andy Fleet, chairman of Dorset County Museum were in attendance as little Benjamin and his mum Amelia crossed the threshold marking the giganotosaurus milestone.

To celebrate Mr Dixon, Dr Murden and Professor Fleet presented the excited four-year old with a Dippy t-shirt and goodie bag overflowing with Dippy treats.

Dr Murden said: “We had hoped and half expected that the Dippy On Tour exhibition would be the museum’s greatest ever exhibition but this has far exceeded our wildest expectations.

The arrival of Dippy has also made a considerable difference to businesses in the town.

John Fiori, owner of The Horse with the Red Umbrella said “Dippy’s visit to the town has been fantastic, not just for me but many of the local business with footfall considerably up year on year.

"On behalf of The Dorchester BID I would also like to congratulate Jon and the whole of his team - what an achievement.”

The museum’s initial target was for 70,000 visitors to see the exhibition - but it has already exceeded that and there is still almost four weeks left before Dippy leaves Dorchester.

Dippy will remain at Dorset County Museum until Monday, May 7.

To book free tickets, visit dorsetcountymuseum.org or visit the museum’s main reception.