REPTILES, rodents and even giant snails became temporary residents of a Bolton care home - and its permanent residents could not have been happier.

Pensioners welcomed the animal-handling experience company, ZooLab, to Lever Edge Care Home in Great Lever for an afternoon of discovery.

They were able to handle snakes, rats and lizards - most of them for the first time in their lives - and also learned fascinating facts about their unusual visitors.

Care home manager Karen McMahon said: “As it was coming up to National Love Your Pet week last week, we had taken on board some feedback from our families and residents that it would be nice to see some unusual pets for a change.

"There’s nothing more unusual than snakes and spiders to get the engagement.”

She added: “The residents thoroughly enjoyed the session with ZooLab who brought lots of different creatures for them to see and stroke.

“Residents and their family members were very interested in touching the creatures, with the bravest offering to hold the snake.”

For the residents it was an unforgettable experience to treasure.