RESIDENTS faced their fears as a Basingstoke care home welcomed a host of creepy crawlies.

Ashcombe House care home, in Worting Road, received a visit from some unusual creatures along with ranger Jess from Zoolab.

Residents at Ashcombe were pleasantly surprised to see Giant African land snail Mr Slimy, Chilean Rose Tarantula Ginny, and Leopard Gecko named Lemonade to name just a few. 

Zoolab specialises in bringing reptiles and small animals into a safe environment, while its trained staff educate about the different species with plenty of interesting facts.

Deputy manager Bianca Garcia said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitor’s today. There’s nothing more unusual for the residents than snakes and spiders, they surprised me with how brave they all are!” 

Resident Lilian White who was one of the bravest residents handling every creepy crawly. Lilian said: “There’s nothing to be scared of, they won’t hurt you.”

Lilian’s favourite creature was the stick insects so aptly named Branch and Leafy.