MORE than 3,000 people packed out Bovington Tank Museum for a day dedicated to Tiger 131, the only running Tiger 1 battle tank in the world.

Tiger 131 - that recently starred in Brad Pitt's World War Two film 'Fury' - was in action at the Bovington museum arena for the first time since the blockbuster's release.

The fully restored tank starred in the display alongside its Axis and Allied counterparts, including the Russian T-34 and American Sherman tanks.

Visitors also enjoyed an exhibition dedicated to the Fury film, which features the Sherman tank which played the role of 'Fury' itself.

One of the highlights of the day was the chance to see Tiger take to the arena alongside its Fury co-star, the Sherman tank.

Museum director Richard Smith said: "This exhibition gives an insight into the issues the museum faced when using some of our historic collection and what it was like for our staff on the set of a big budget Hollywood movie.

"Taking centre stage is the Sherman M4 that is the Fury tank, alongside imagery and footage directly from the film."

Fury, directed by David Ayer, is set during the closing stages of the Second World War as the Allies make their final push into Nazi Germany.

Brad Pitt, who travelled to Dorset to promote the film, plays Wardaddy, a sergeant in the 2nd Armoured Division who commands an M4 Sherman Tank and its five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines.

The movie, that received mixed reviews, also stars Shia LaBeouf, Michael Pena and Logan Lerman.

Brad Pitt got behind the controls of a tank at Bovington in 2013 in preparation for the film.

A museum spokesman said: "Tiger 131 runs only twice a year, on Tiger Day in May and Tankfest in June, and always attracts huge crowds when it does.

"This year's Tiger Day was the biggest yet, with over 3,000 people flooding into the Tank Museum to see the fearsome machine."

Tiger Day took place on May 4.