A SHOPPING trip turned into a wildlife adventure for youngsters at a North-East retail outlet.

A free animal magic day was held at Teesside Shopping Park in Stockton starring snakes, tarantulas, lizards, mongoose, skunks, frogs, parrots and macaws.

There were a series of 20 minute shows presented by animal expert, Stephen Rowlands, about the species which originate from the tropical rainforests and the African deserts.

Children also got the chance to hold and stroke some of the animals under close supervision from the experts on hand.

It was the first in a programme of free events being planned by Teesside Shopping Park to entertain children during school holidays. For more information visit teessideshoppingpark.co.uk/facebook/teessidepark