HUGE snails, hairy spiders and cute chinchillas are set to invade the streets of Stockton.

Children will be able to touch and hold the creatures at Wellington Square in the town centre between 10am and 3pm today.

The creatures are provided by the Scales'n'Tales Animal Encounters team, which also provides expert assistance and educational information for the children.

There will also be face-painting and rides, with a roundabout and swing boats in the central square, which will all be free for shoppers and their children.

This year, Wellington Square has held family events throughout the school summer holidays, including donkey rides, bouncy castles and fairground rides.

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.”