LOW flypasts by barn owls thrilled nearly 200 visitors as the Falconhigh birds of prey display team put on a special performance at Haslemere Museum.

On static display were Harris hawks, a red-tailed hawk, a peregrine falcon and a rare black barn owl.

Museum education oficer Kay Topping said: “Because of the weather, we were in the lecture hall, which meant only the barn owls could be flown.

“However, all our visitors managed to experience this at close quarters, with the birds flying between rows of visitors and just over them as they lay on the floor. It was a really amazing experience.”

At Grayshott Village Hall, children enjoyed hands-on experiences with all sorts of creatures, from rabbits to snakes, at a Crazy Critters session led by Wild Science as part of East Hampshire District Council’s Rural Areas Play Project (RAPP).

As well as the opportunity to get up close and personal with animal guests, youngsters also enjoyed a themed arts workshop.