'All monsters great and small' will be taking over the Royal Cornwall Museum this summer.

The newest exhibition to be added to the museum in Truro explores the psychology behind the invention of monsters, how and why they have changed over time and Cornwall's very own particular beasts.

Famous prop designer and Cornish armourer, Terry English, whose film works include Excalibur, Harry Potter, Gladiator and Alien, said: "Monsters make you go back to your childhood, what you remember are films like Dracula and Godzilla. These early cinematic impressions really resonate and shape our perceptions of monsters."

Terry has kindly lent his props from the famous blockbuster franchise Alien to feature in the exhibition, which is on now until August 31.

Other exhibits include rarely seen medieval books from Exeter Cathedral Library and items from the museum’s own rich collection.

Dr Jayne Wackett, exhibition curator, said: "The exciting thing about monsters is that there are so many fascinating angles to look at them from. To help us to explore them we have a series of experts coming to the museum to talk on matters ranging from psychology through to monsters in the medieval world, this is all part of our promotion of this amazing exhibition to the local community."

The museum will be hosting various family events throughout the summer, including a 'Monsters Day' on March 30.