A zoo is giving people the chance to name a cockroach after their ex this Valentine's Day - or even after their least favourite politician.

Hemsley Conservation Centre in Fairseat near Gravesend is once again offering this unique way for wounded lovers to get their own back on a former partner - all for a good cause.

For a £1.50 donation you will receive a downloadable certificate and the ex's name will appear on the zoo's roach board next to the cockroach enclosure, which will be revealed on February 14.

All the money raised will go towards conservation projects at the zoo, opened by former Gravesend Grammar School pupil Adam Hemsley.

When the scheme first launched in 2019 it attracted attention from the world's media after appearing on KentOnline and the idea has since spread to other zoos.

After receiving more than 15,000 names and raising around £20,000, HCC decided to run the cockroach naming programme again in 2020.

After a break because of the pandemic, the scheme is back again for 2022 and this time around the zoo is suggesting you could name a critter after a politician.

A statement on the website says: "The start of 2022, let's face it, hasn't been great... and if you have been dumped recently it is even worse. But now it is time to cast those negative thoughts and feelings aside and to put a smile back on your face.

"For those that don’t quite require revenge, there’s another way to make you feel better about getting back at your ex on Valentine’s Day.

"After making headline news in 2019 and 2020, we are back for 2022 and offering the chance to name a cockroach in honour of you or your friend's worthless ex-someone on this special holiday of love for just £1.50.

"Of course, if you wanted to name your least favourite politician too, we wouldn't blame you.

"We are highlighting these creatures through our ‘name a cockroach programme’ (we think adopt is a little too strong, after all - you probably don't want to adopt your friend's ex) to raise money for our projects at the zoo.

"After your donation you will receive a downloadable certificate and we will include your ex's name on our roach board which will be revealed on Valentine's Day."

The zoo is asking for first names only and will be taking submissions for the roach board until midday on Thursday, February 10. Names submitted after this until February 15 will be entered into a roach book.

To find out how toname a cockroach, click here.

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