A CRAB, a frog, a snake, a millipede and a rat were just some of the creatures admired by residents of a local care home.

Residents at Basingfield Court, in Huish Lane, Old Basing, were visited by ZooLab, which took along animals for them to handle.

The animal-assisted therapy is proven to promote wellbeing, increase social participation and enhance the quality of life for the elderly.

Julie Pattenden, the home’s activities leader, said: “Our residents absolutely love animals, their faces light up when they see them and we thought it would be wonderful to have some come to the home for an afternoon.

“Animal therapy can be so therapeutic, especially for people living with dementia because it is very calming and relaxing.”

Animals taken to the home by ZooLab included Dutch rabbits, domestic brown rats, hermit crabs, corn snakes, green tree frogs and millipedes.

Les Walden, 90, said: “It was so interesting to see the creatures and learn more about them.

“I held the millipede, African snail and cockroach, and I stroked the snake, which was absolutely beautiful. It was fascinating.”

Dougie Keeler, 79, said: “It was so interesting – very informative. The young man who brought the animals in was very knowledgeable, and we learned all sorts about the creatures.

“The corn snake was a beautiful range of patterned orange colours, just amazing.”