CHILDREN at a Teesside school got up close to some exotic creepy crawlies during a visit from a wildlife expert.

A giant African land snail, from the rainforests of West Africa, and a hairy Chilean rose tarantula from South America were among the creatures from Zoolab that arrived at Red House Infant and Nursery School, in Norton, near Stockton.

Zoolab provide educational workshops by experienced animal experts and teachers, aimed at providing schoolchildren with a hands-on experience of a wide variety of animals.

The Red House children were able to handle, stroke and feel some of the mini-beasts on show, including a large millipede.

The pupils cringed at the sight of a large black scorpion and were thrilled with the rare opportunity to handle a corn snake from Florida. They also enjoyed a lively and fun mix of animal songs and games.

Sandra Gray, the school's deputy headmistress, said: "The children were fascinated by the wide variety of exotic creatures, and learned a lot about the animals and their habitats. They were captivated and never ran out of questions to ask."