THOUSANDS of comic book fans flocked to a Beano exhibition in Test Valley this summer.

Approximately 68,000 people attended the exhibition exploring 80 years of mischief and mayhem from black-and-red beginnings to the full-colour capers of today.

Beano Time Travellers! delved into the heritage of the longest running children’s comic in Britain and was held at Mottisfont, near Romsey.

Marketing Officer at Mottisfont, Sophie Wilkinson, said: "We are well known for our summer exhibitions and a lot of families come here. It is so popular with people of all ages and is something that brings the whole family together.

"Grandparents bring their grandchildren here and it is a creation that children know the name of these days, but we have a lot of people coming to relive their childhood; there is a lot of nostalgia.

"As well as the exhibition, there is a trail and we have had a lot of comments from people saying they like exploring the grounds."

Mottisfont came up with the idea to hold the exhibition after a former member of the National Trust saw the magazine celebrate its 80th birthday in Dundee last year.

One of the visitors to Beano Time Travellers!, Emma Holland, said: "We had an amazing day at Mottisfont visiting the Beano exhibition and completing the trail.

"My son, who is autistic, is obsessed with the Beano and read every word of every comic and information sign you put up. He was totally enthralled and it was lovely for me to see him so focussed on a museum exhibit.

"The volunteers in each room were lovely with him and the little wooden steps were amazing for helping him see right to the top of the pictures. Thank you for putting together such a wonderful experience."

Cllr Dorothy Baverstock, who represents Romsey Cupernham on the borough council, said: "The standard of the exhibitions at Mottisfont are excellent and I have heard comments from people who have been and they said it was really good.

"There is something for everybody and Mottisfont has a special place in my heart."

The exhibition also featured the original artwork for the first Minnie the Minx comic, which has never been shown publicly before.

The event will be running until September 8 from 11am until 5pm and admission can be paid at the door.