VISITORS to a Barrow store caught a glimpse of the weird and wonderful world of reptiles in 1999.

The Mail, on December 13, noted: "The event at pets at home meant the store was turned into a haven for dozens of lizard lovers, snake supporters and reptile fans of every description.

"Specialists from the UK's leading reptile sanctuary, Proteus of Birmingham, visited the pet superstore on Hindpool Road, giving customers the chance to stroke the wonderful reptiles."

The article noted: "They also offered free advice, fact sheets and dietry information for reptile owners and anyone thinking of buying a reptile pet."

Proteus specialist Sarah Beales said: "Reptiles are now the fastest growing sector of the pet industry in the UK but unfortunately people's knowledge about reptiles and what is involved in keeping them is fairly limited."

There had been increasing numbers of abandoned reptiles.

She said: "We have to make sure that people have realistic expectations and know how to keep their reptile pets safely and sensibly."