VILLAGE schoolchildren near Winchester have met some animals not usually encountered in the classroom.

Pupils at Colden Common Primary School have been enjoying Wildlife Science week.

They got to touch and stroke various live and non-venomous reptiles including snakes and chameleons, provided by Hampshire-based Reptile Celebrities.

The school focussed on other creatures such as beetles and hedgehogs.

Tomorrow there will be a dressing-up day with the children encouraged to come to school as their favourite animal.

Allan Barfoot, science manager and week organiser, said: "Our wildlife week has been great fun.

"The children are learning about science from first hand experiences.

"It has been a jammed-packed week but hopefully the children will have learnt a little bit more about the wildlife around them."