YOUNGSTERS enjoyed a real treat as they got the chance to be up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals presented to them by Blue Peter’s Scott Adams at Eastgate Shopping Centre.

Exotic Animal’s Scott, who has also featured on CBBC and CBeebies brought a selection of creatures with him to educate the children, including a bearded dragon, a giant snail and an albino snake, as well as a baby skunk.

Children also got to make exotic animals from a variety of materials to take home at a free craft workshop.

There were also “I’m a Shopper Get Me Out of Here” bush-tucker trials, including eating edible insects and, for those brave enough, holding a tarantula.

Eastgate centre manager Ian Clark said: “Scott and his exotic zoo were really popular with everyone at Eastgate - and we were delighted to host the show.

“We hope that youngsters and parents who came along enjoyed seeing the animals and learning some exciting new facts about them.”