A TARANTULA and a bearded dragon were two of the exotic creatures that visited a Basingstoke nursery.

Children at Kiddi Caru, in Broadmere Road, Beggarwood, met a variety of animals from Zoolab which held a Mini Zoo workshop at the nursery.

The pupils at the nursery were fascinated by the story of Zagaro, based on the tale of the Gruffalo, featuring Maud the tarantula, Merlin the bearded dragon, a corn snake called Russian and Ziggy the rabbit.

The youngsters also had the chance to stroke and handle the creatures.

Suzanne Chilvers, nursery manager, said: “The children were mesmerised by Zoolab’s Mini Zoo creatures. They were not the least bit perturbed by the unusual nature of our visitors either – most of them happily stroked the snake and held the bearded dragon.”

She added: “I have to say Maud received more waves than strokes though! However, compared to me they were all very brave.”