Big cat footprint goes on display

Proof that big cats are roaming the Warwickshire countryside are going on show at a museum.

The Warwickshire Museum, in Warwick, has a cast of the footprint of a big cat taken in the village of Barford in November 2004.

A museum spokesman said a gamekeeper at Wasperton Farm had an encounter with what he thought was a black panther which had just caught a pheasant.

Experts confirmed the footprint left behind was made by a black leopard.

Big cat reports are regular events in Warwickshire but it is unusual to find a footprint.

Steven Falk, senior keeper of natural history, said it was fascinating proof something did exist.

The print can bee seen at the museum in Market Place on Tuesdays to Saturdays.