CHEEKY Monkeys Childcare had a series of special visitors come and see them over half-term in a spooky Hallowe’en themed event.

Each year Little Beasties, based in Ulverston, bring an array of animals for children to see, interact with and learn about.

Vicky Logan, Manager at Cheeky Monkeys, and Charley Todd, a level three student, braved their biggest fear and had a tarantula sit on their heads.

Their efforts have raised over £300 for Children in Need.

Kerry Griffin, owner of Cheeky Monkeys said the event is always popular.

She said she would sponsor Charley and Vicky to conquer their fears and more peopled joined in.

She said: “I said I would sponsor them £100 for them to have the tarantula on their heads.

“Afterwards more people started sponsoring and they have raised over £300 for Children in Need.

“Each year they come and the children love the animals.

Snakes, cockroaches and rats came to the Abbotsvale centre based in Barrow.

Kerry said the children love learning about the beasties and the day is always busy.

Over 50 children split in to three groups took part in the day.

Kerry added: “One boy was in awe of a snake and spent the whole day playing with it.

“He has asked his mum if he can have one for Christmas.

Mandy Christopher, a member of Ulverston-based franchise Little Beasties, said the day is about educating the children.

She described that for infants the day was about interacting with smaller animals and learning the different textures of their skin.

She said: “We go every year and each day is always great.

“It is about getting the children used to animals and that they are not all scary and not to be avoided.

“Helping children build their confidence around snakes and rats is also key.

She added: “It’s also nice for the children to meet them and spend time with them.

“The day can teach the children to be kind and nice to animals, which is good.”