Monster Jurassic Coast Fossil On Display

The massive jaws of a pre-historic reptile with the biggest bite of all time is being unveiled in Dorset by Sir David Attenborough.

He will officially open the display at Dorset County Museum on Friday 8th July 2011. It will be open to the public from Saturday 9th July.

The Pliosaur skull was found on the Jurassic Coast near Weymouth by amateur collector Kevin Sheehan. He was collecting bits of the skull for around 5 years between 2003 and 2008. The largest piece weighed over 80 kilos.

Experts say it's one of the largest and best preserved fossils of its kind ever found. The Pliosaur was a creature measuring around 18m in length and is thought to have possessed the biggest bite of all time "powerful enough to break a small car in two".

Richard Edmonds, Earth Science Manager for the Jurassic Coast Team said:

"It is an amazing achievement to have recovered this fossil from an eroding cliff over such a long period of time and without losing any important pieces."

Jon Murden, Director of Dorset County Museum in Dorchester said:

"We are delighted to house such a world-class discovery at Dorset County Museum and the Weymouth Bay pliosaur is now a fitting centrepiece in our ever-popular Jurassic Coast gallery."

The museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. For more information visit: www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

He will officially open the display at Dorset County Museum on Friday 8th July 2011. It will be open to the public from Saturday 9th July.

The Pliosaur skull was found on the Jurassic Coast near Weymouth by amateur collector Kevin Sheehan. He was collecting bits of the skull for around 5 years between 2003 and 2008. The largest piece weighed over 80 kilos.

Experts say it's one of the largest and best preserved fossils of its kind ever found. The Pliosaur was a creature measuring around 18m in length and is thought to have possessed the biggest bite of all time "powerful enough to break a small car in two".

Richard Edmonds, Earth Science Manager for the Jurassic Coast Team said:

"It is an amazing achievement to have recovered this fossil from an eroding cliff over such a long period of time and without losing any important pieces."

Jon Murden, Director of Dorset County Museum in Dorchester said:

"We are delighted to house such a world-class discovery at Dorset County Museum and the Weymouth Bay pliosaur is now a fitting centrepiece in our ever-popular Jurassic Coast gallery."

The museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. For more information visit: www.dorsetcountymuseum.org