THE youngsters of Lydney Early Learners had a great time meeting creatures scaly, slimy and furry who came on a visit – only the staff were scared, said a group spokesperson!

"The children were delighted – they were allowed to pick them up and stroke them, she said after the visit by Zoolab, who run educational visits to introduce young people to creatures they might not see every day, let alone touch.

Among the new friends the children made were a metre-long bright yellow corn snake, a giant African land-snail and a huge blue-tongued skink from Australia.

The group meets during the week in its own premises in the grounds of Lydney C of E School in Bream Road.