The 42-year-old used the unique opportunity to get interactive with the usually out of bounds exhibits and set up some funny snaps with the extra-terrestrials – posing for a beer with one alien and taking a nap with another.

PIC BY CHRIS BURTON / CATERS NEWS

Chris, a freelance photography director, said: “I was in Roswell as part of a road trip that started because of a cheap flight. I was shooting stock footage for a TV production company and writing a blog on the days I had free.

“I had two days off in Roswell, somewhere I’d always wanted to visit since I was a kid.

“I thought it would be amusing for friends back home if I take some photos with the displays but didn’t expect an opportunity like this.

PIC BY CHRIS BURTON / CATERS NEWS

“Absorbed in the displays and quite tired from driving – I’d covered 3,000 miles in 11 days. I hadn’t noticed other visitors leave.

“When I finally went to the door it was locked. Although I could hear voices in the adjacent gift shop so I wasn’t overly concerned.

PIC BY CHRIS BURTON / CATERS NEWS

“Armed with my camera, tripod and a remote control I decided to get interactive with the exhibits and have a bit of fun.”