A CONVOY of alligators, iguanas and snakes is preparing to slither out of the North-East and head for warmer climes.

The cargo of cold-blooded creatures was boxed up for their trip yesterday and organisers hope to make the journey snappy.

Four Mississippi alligators, 15 green iguanas, one reticulated python and a dozen terrapins and snapping turtles are on their way to a better life in the Algarve, Portugal.

The beasts have been cared for by the Reptile Trust, in Burnopfield, County Durham, after being found abandoned or in unsuitable conditions in the region. They will be relocated in purpose-built enclosures at the Crazyworld zoo.

Reptile Trust assistant curator Stuart Dodsworth said: "Last year, we sent a South American broad-snouted caiman alligator to the zoo.

"They were developing their facilities and when they realised we had a problem with housing iguanas they extended them so that they could take some on.

"This will now free us up so we can develop our own facilities to take on bigger iguanas."

The cargo of animals are being transported overland in a minibus. They will be let out of their boxes on arrival in France for exercise, before they are taken on the rest of their journey.