A DURHAM pet store is holding a special event to explain how to look after reptiles responsibly.

Pets at Home, on the Arnison Retail Park at Pity Me, on the city's outskirts, has invited specialists in the subject to visit next Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4.

Sarah Beales and Neil Swann, who run Proteus, the country's leading reptile sanctuary, will be giving advice to anyone thinking of buying a reptile.

Sarah, who has appeared on TV programmes including BBC 1's Animal Hospital, said: "Reptiles are now the fastest growing sector of the pet industry in the UK.

"But unfortunately, people's knowledge about reptiles, and what is involved in keeping them as pets, is fairly limited.

"Reptiles can make great pets, but at Proteus we are seeing increasing numbers of sick and abandoned reptiles.

"We have to make sure that people have realistic expectations, and know how to keep their reptile pets safely and sensibly."

The event will be held between 11am and 4pm on both days