VISITORS to a Bury shopping centre were given a ROAR-some surprise after coming face to face with a dinosaur on the loose.

Spencer the Spinosaurus was spotted causing mischief around The Rock shopping centre, much to the delight of families who were out shopping for the day.

The unusual appearance was part of the shopping centre's Summer Rocks series, which has seen dinosaur-themed events taking place each Saturday in August.

Spencer was the star of three shows on the square outside Racconto Lounge on Saturday, as well as popping into several shops during the course of the day.

He was spotted trying on new school shoes at Deichmann and tucking into a sausage roll at Greggs.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, centre director at The Rock, said: “We were thrilled to see so many people enjoying meeting the dinosaurs — and Spencer certainly gave our shoppers a surprise when he was stomping through The Rock.

"The fun concludes this Saturday when dragon shows will be running throughout the day and there will be a giant dragon egg hunt around the centre.

"We hope to see lots of families enjoying this free, summer fun.

"The dragon will be fed before it makes its appearance."

Visitors were also able to meet, touch and have photos with baby dinosaurs and their keepers.

The centre’s new partner charity Bury Hospice also held a number of dinosaur themed events which raised £242 through generous donations from the public.

On August 3, shoppers were taken on an interactive journey around the solar system as part of the event, and on August 10, children had the chance to meet Tank the Triceratops.

Summer Rocks will conclude with a visit from Dreygo the dragon on Saturday, as well as a giant egg trail. Showtimes for this weekend are 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm.