CHILDREN who took part in a half term play-scheme proved they were real animal lovers when they met up with some new little friends.

A range of small animals, including spiders, cockroaches, stick insects and beetles were brought into Rosie's Holiday Fun Club at St John Fisher School by Sharon Clifford from Bugs Galore.

The children were then given the option of whether to go into the room and take a closer look at the insects or to keep their distance.

Club co-ordinator Rosie Snelling said: "This was one of the best schemes I have ever held for the children.

"They were given a talk on the animals, about their habitates and what they ate, then they had the chance to have a closer look at the animals.

"They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we will definitely be running a similar session again."