NOAH'S animals came in two by two ahead of technical rehearsals for the Ark scene in the York Minster Mystery Plays, which open next week.

Noah, played by Roger Farrington, from York, greeted lions, donkeys, zebras and dodos - just some of more than 60 pairs of creatures that have been specially created to work within the epic scale of the cathedral.

Created by professional prop makers and a small team of volunteers, they include everything from scorpions, budgies and chameleons through to beavers, buffaloes and elephants. A whale and a myriad of fish have also been designed for the Creation scenes by students from York College.

Roger, who has been involved in the Plays since 1976 and is one of a community cast of over 200 taking to the stage next week, said the animals were 'absolutely stunning creations'.

He added: "The audience will definitely fall in love with them all and want to take them home."

Tickets can be purchased online at www.yorkminster.org/mysteryplays2016 by calling 01904 623568 or in person from the York Theatre Royal’s Box Office at the De Grey Rooms in St Leonards Place, York, and at York Minster’s visitor admission desks.