But local artist Jason Elliott created the pictures to illustrate the dramatic effects that global warming could have on the Calder Valley.

With palm trees lining the Rochdale canal, monkeys, flamingos and other exotic animals roaming the streets and a monsoon above, his predictions entitled Hebden Bridge 2032 make up a new exhibition at the town's Alternative Technology Centre.

Mr Elliott, 43, who lives in the town, said: "They came about by accident really."

The photographer and painter was inspired by jungle pictures by French painter Henri Rousseau.

"I started playing about with some of my Hebden Bridge shots and photographs I have taken around the world over the years and it spiralled from there.

"I thought here is an opportunity to get people who would normally be turned off by climate change, actually engaged in it."

Mr Elliott, who works on a website advertising ethical jobs, said: "People can see there are not just problems but also answers."

"I have heard a few people laugh out loud while looking at the pictures."

Calder Valley MP Chris McCafferty is backing the exhibition's message.
After visiting the centre, she said: "The images certainly do make our town look exotic and I think it is an excellent way to engage, inform and raise people's awareness of the issues without preaching to them."