SEVEN of the smallest rodents in Britain have set up home at a Lake District tourist attraction.

Lakes Aquarium, near Newby Bridge, has welcomed the arrival of a family of harvest mice, which each weigh less than a two-pence coin.

The miniature creatures are from a species that is the only mammal in the world with a truly prehensile tail - one capable of gripping.

They feed on seeds and do not hibernate in winter but spend long periods in their nests and eat blackberries and rosehips.

Dave Conway, talks team leader, said: “Both children and adults are amazed when they see our harvest mice because typically people think of them as being much bigger creatures, more akin to house mice.

“They provide an immediate wow factor when visitors arrive and we are delighted to have a whole new family of these little creatures as this allows us to explain more about their habits, habitats and fight for survival”.