The Aquarium of the Lakes in the Lake District is to invest £170,000 this summer to create a new night-time feature.

The Riverbank at Night experience will take guests on a night-time journey along the riverside to view nocturnal creatures.

The area will include water voles, polecats, bank voles, frogs, toads, minnows and freshwater fish native to the area.

It will also feature the aquarium’s family of tiny water shrews.

The exhibit is being designed to mimic natural conditions and will include a star-lit sky.

Cathy Burrows of the aquarium, which is situated at the southernmost point of Lake Windermere, said: “Many native UK species are nocturnal and become far more active after dark.

“The new display is the first major internal development at the site since we opened and will add a whole new dimension to the visitor experience.”

The aquarium boasts more than 30 naturally themed habitats including a recreated section of Windermere’s lakebed complete with pike, gigantic carp and diving ducks. Details: www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk