CHESTER Zoo is marking its platinum jubilee with an exhibition opened by the daughter of its founder.

The zoo without bars was the dream of George Mottershead when he opened it up in 1931.

Three years later the North of England Zoological Society was formed to run the attraction which now welcomes 1.3 million visitors a year.

The open air exhibition, close to the aquarium, chronicles the zoo’s history over the last seven decades.

June Williams, who cut the ribbon, said: “My family and others did work hard to make our dreams become a reality”.