PUPILS at a Darlington school handled snakes and creepy crawlies during an unusual lesson last week.

Zoolab, the interactive animal workshop for children, dropped in to Hurworth Comprehensive School with an array of creatures.

The visit was arranged for Year 7 pupils who are studying invertebrates as part of their science lessons.

Animals brought into school included a milk snake, tia beauty snake, giant millipede, giant snail, tarantula and a rat.

Teacher Rita Rees said: "It really brought home to them what an invertebrate is by seeing and handling the animals.

"The kids were really impressed by what they saw."

The visit was such a success that the group has been invited back for a return visit next year.