Visitors to Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire Oaks could hardly believe their eyes when they spotted a real life mermaid swimming among the sharks last weekend.

The mermaid in question was Dr Daniela Rodler, whose spectacular underwater performances have produced rave reviews across Europe.

It’s the first time Germany-based Daniela has made an appearance in England and staff at Blue Planet Aquarium were delighted with the reaction she received; particularly from younger visitors.

Blue Planet’s Rebecca Collins said: “Daniela made regular surprise appearances, alongside our team of divers.

“We’re delighted she agreed to use Blue Planet as the venue for her first ever displays in England and she certainly proved to be a spectacular added attraction to our visitors.

“It was fascinating to see how the sand tiger sharks and rays reacted to her but the greatest reaction was from the younger visitors who were clearly enchanted to finally get to meet a mermaid,” she added.

As well as her role as a mermaid, Daniela is a former international swimmer and a qualified vet who is currently lecturing at the University of Munich.

She is also a choir soprano singer who performed at the Lord of the Rings Symphony in Munich, N�rnberg and Stuttgart, and in the Pirates of the Caribbean Symphony at the Munich Philharmonic.

In addition to that she recently completed a fantasy film which is due to be released in Germany next year, has done modelling work and is a proficient free diver.

Rebecca added: “Dr Rodler is a totally unique character who has achieved so much in her life to date – the fact that she is also a mermaid only adds to the fascination.”