FURRY creatures and slithery critters were the special guests at a nursing home when residents enjoyed a bit on the wild side.

The Discovery Zoo dropped into Kirkdale, one of Cleveland Alzheimer’s Residential Centres, with their menagerie of animals including a corn snake, giant snail and rabbits.

Residents and staff at the Stockton centre were able to see and handle a number of different animals and visitors were encouraged to come along as part of the charity’s fundraising drive, with each charged a small fee for the event.

Sarah Cross, the centre's activities co-ordinator, said: “We try to run as varied a programme of events for residents as we possibly can. Animals are always of great interest and these were no exception.

“We had initially asked the animal handler to not bring out the snake which is part of Discovery Zoo but the residents were very interested to see it and asked if they could handle it.

"Due to the nature of dementia and the way it affects people, holding formal activities sessions can prove difficult. However, this was a great, non-formal activity which everyone really enjoyed.”