FOLLOW the seashells and starfish to the second floor of the Harris Museum, Preston for a fun new exhibition.

Waverock is well worth the hike, for it features a feast of seaside amusement machines from the turn of the century.

You are encouraged to look with your hands as many of the models are in working order with free tokens available to try them out.

There are working models of mutascopes, palm readers, target shooting games and fortune tellers. Challenge a friend by having a go on the machines for two players.

Fortunately, the Shocking Jack game which gave out electric shocks is no longer in use!

You can also try your hand at Punch and Judy using the tent and puppets provided, take an interactive computer tour along Southport pier, and sit in a stagecoach to watch a film about Morecambe Bay.

Posters and postcards adorn the walls depicting the typical British sense of seaside humour.

The collection of paintings is impressive - waves leap out at you from the canvas. The pictures are complemented by poetry from Tennyson, Betjeman, Auden and others.

The exhibition also boasts work from Lytham artist Margaret King, capturing local landmarks in beautiful relaxing colours.

In all, Waverock is a superb seasonal exhibition capturing the essence of the seaside over the years, at the Harris Museum until September 6.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.