Incredible cave replica built to protect paintings

A massive 3D model of an ancient cave has been created in the south of France.

The Chauvet cave holds some of the oldest recorded cave-paintings made by our ancient ancestors.

It was discovered in 1994 by three cavers, and is thought to be at least 35,000 years old.

More than 400 paintings of animals like mammoths, rhinos and lions cover the cave walls.

They were painted using a mixture of charcoal and red ochre.

The French authorities sealed the cave off from the public soon after it was discovered, to help preserve the paintings.

Now, a giant replica of the cave has been built, using a laser-scanner to create an accurate copy which the public can visit.

The replica took eight years to build and cost around £40m.