A GROUP fundraising for a play park invited youngsters to meet creepie crawlies.

Lanchester Parklife was launched four years ago to strive to replace and re-equip the County Durham village's play area after Derwentside District Council removed the equipment.

The group needs to raise £200,000 and is seeking grant funding as well as holding its own money-spinning events.

One of these, a "creature feature", was held at Lanchester Community Centre on Saturday, when wildlife experts, including police wildlife officer Sergeant Eddie Bell, took creatures such as owls, snakes, salamanders and cockroaches.

"The children loved it - the hands-on experience," said parklife chairwoman Tina Patterson.

"It was an extremely successful day, not only because we raised about £500, but because we provided a community event and entertained people.

"We are hoping that at the end of the day we'll have a regional facility - something that will attract people to Lanchester.