HAIRY spiders, furry chinchillas and hand-sized snails were part of the attractions at a shopping centre over the weekend.

Scales n Tails Animal Encounters paid a visit to Wellington Square shopping centre in Stockton, on Saturday.

Children were able to touch and hold the small creatures, with help and educational tips from the Scales n Tails team.

There was also free face painting and small fair rides, including swing boats, on offer for visitors.

It was the last of six weeks of summer holiday events at the shopping centre, with donkey rides, bouncy castles and fair rides all summer.

Rob Gildersleeve, centre manager at Wellington Square said, “We organised fun events every Saturday over the school holidays, and have been delighted at the turnout. The weather has been on our side, so there have been some great days with lots of people, and all the entertainment has been provided for our shoppers completely free of charge.”