THE LOCKDOWN in Ellesmere has become a whole scarier – or more fun – as a dinosaur is on the loose!

But before anyone calls for Chris Pratt, it's just Dilly the Dinosaur aka Kerry Rowlands, 49, from Wharf Road, who has become something of a hero to youngsters in the town.

Kerry, joined by wife Tracy and his family, has been taking evening strolls as the not-so-fearsome T-Rex, much to the delight of young and old, and he is proud to be able to keep spirits up for the town.

"I bought the costume for lockdown – we thought it would be a good idea to go on the street and cheer up all the kids," said Kerry, who will be appearing on BBC Radio Shropshire on Monday to discuss his antics.

"The reaction has been brilliant. We put on the Ellesmere Community news page what streets we're going to and you can see the kids in the windows or out in the street.

"But for me, it's been the reaction of the adults or when people are driving cars past us – it's great.

"My wife Tracy has been out with me – our idea was to make it a family thing and my eldest son Ryan has shared the suit with me.

"It's fun – imagine doing the dishes or having tea and seeing a dinosaur through your window.

"It's giving the kids something to enjoy – we had one young lad, about two years old, run back and get his 'dino' wellies, trying to follow us.

"We even went up to Ellesmere Primary School while they were outside having their dinner.

"My son has loved it too – no one can see him underneath and loves having a dance."

To see when Dilly might be stomping down your street, head to Ellesmere Community News on Facebook.