From now until the end of August, a Stafford pet shop will be hosting free handling sessions twice a week for curious kids.

Stafford Pets and Aquatics will be joined by volunteers from Robbie’s Reptile Room and Cuddle Gang who are bringing exotic animals from around the world right to the pet shop, where children will be able to hold and pet them to their heart’s content.

If they’re feeling brave enough, they can also visit Vapour the nine foot snake.

Joining Vapour – from a distance – will be some geckos (leopards, crested, chahoua and giant geckos), bearded dragons, snakes (royal python and boa), tortoises, and a blue tongue skink.

Manager of Stafford Pets and Aquatics Charley Emery-Pearson, said: “We just want to give back to the community, we have had a rough few years with Covid so it’s our way of saying thank you for all the support.

“We love seeing the children come and handle the animals, and we know it’s sometimes hard to find things to keep the kids entertained, especially something that’s within budget and fun as well.”

Sessions will be held every Tuesday and Friday from 12pm – 2pm.