EXOTIC creepy crawlies were yesterday taken to an east Durham school, where they were soon hailed top of the class.

The bugs and animals, including snails, cockroaches, scorpions, tarantulas, salamanders, rats, frogs and snakes, attracted attention from young students at Easington Community School.

The rare collection of unusual livestock, part of Zoolab UK, were brought to the school under the year seven science curriculum.

Zoolab UK is a company that uses live animals, visual aids, games and roleplay to teach children.

Though some of the visitors brought a shudder from members of staff, they were quickly welcomed by the young students, who showed no reluctance to get up close to their new friends for the day.