SKUNKS and snails starred as guests at a nursery's first birthday party.

The nursery at Gosfield School saw 70 people celebrate their first year, and staff said it was a great success.

The children, from two years old, had a hands-on session with staff at Kimmy’s Zoo who brought along a striped skunk, a royal python, a chinchilla, a pygmy hedgehog, a tortoise, a bearded dragon, an African land snail and a giant millipede.

Sarah Nicholls, marketing manager at the school, said: "Some were even brave enough to hold the animals.

"The children then went on to participate in some outdoor sensory games and arts and crafts activities.

"They also got to meet their favourite characters from Jungle Adventure Soft Play Centre in Colchester – Princess Poppy from Trolls, Chase from Paw Patrol and Iggle Piggle from In the Night Garden."

The children had fun making snails, paper chameleons, lolly stick millipedes and playing with hedgehog play dough.

Guests sang 'Happy Birthday' as headteacher Dr Sarah Welch cut the birthday cake made by one of the parents.

Children were treated to a party bag and balloon as they left to go home.

The nursery is holding an open morning on Saturday, May 6.

For more information, email admissions@gosfieldschool.org.uk or call 01787 474040.