YOUNGSTERS got the chance to get up close and personal with some huge creepy crawlies.

Plucky children were able to hold massive landsnails, giant millipedes, a dragon lizard, mice and spiders, including a tarantula, when Zoolab visited the Hartlepool Maritime Experience yesterday.

The event, which will be repeated today, was organised by the museum and Hartlepool Borough Council as part of a programme of events during half-term, in the run up to Halloween.

Marketing officer Claire Munroe said: "The kids love handling the creepy crawlies and picking them up, and they enjoy learning about various creatures and their natural habitats.

"Zoolab travels around, usually visiting schools, in order to educate children about wildlife, but they have always had a good response when we have brought them to the Maritime Expe- rience.

"They will be there again on Tuesday and we will have them back again in the future. It's always a big success."

Families can catch a glimpse of the creepy crawlies today, between 10am and 2.30pm.

Admission to the museum costs £6.25 for adults and £3.75 for children, which gives access to all areas and activities.