Snakes, scorpions and creepy crawlies are just a few of the special visitors to a care home.

Residents at Care UK's Invicta Court, on Gidd’s Pond Way in Maidstone got to get up close to a myriad of unusual creatures as part of a specialised animal therapy.

As part of the 'show and tell' workshops, led by ZooLab, residents were told facts about the weird and wonderful animals and were given the chance to handle them.

The initiative is already having a positive effect on residents – especially those living with dementia – and the home is looking to arrange more visits in the future.

Sara Barbosa, home manager at Invicta Court, said: “So many [residents] have a keen interest in nature and wildlife, we invited Zoolab to provide fun animal therapy sessions.

“It proved to be a real success and the results so far are beyond our expectations. Being close to animals can help lift a person’s mood, stimulate social interaction, and ease agitation.

"You could see from the residents’ reactions just how engaged and fascinated they were by the chance to get so close to a variety of such wonderful creatures.

“Every visit brings its share of surprises, and we never know which animal will come through the door – we’re all looking forward to welcoming the Zoolab team again very soon.”

Invicta Court provides permanent residential care as well as short-term respite and has a number of on-site facilities including a bar, cinema and beauty salon.

It also provides specialist care for those living with dementia.

ZooLab is a company specialising in animal encounter experiences aimed at schoolchildren, businesses and care home residents.