REPTILE enthusiasts should pop along to a local pet superstore at the weekend.

Pets at Home, on the Middlebrook Retail Park, Horwich, is hosting a reptile event on Saturday from 11am to 4pm.

On hand will be specialists from reptile sanctuary Proteus, and their mini travelling selection of pets.

The event is free to lizard lovers, snake supporters and reptile fans of every description, although pets are NOT invited.

It will include free advice, fact sheets and dietary information for owners and anyone thinking of buying a reptile.

Responsible

Sarah Beales (pictured with one of her slithery friends), and Neil Swann, who head Proteus, will be aiming to promote responsible reptile ownership.

Sarah 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 as pets, is fairly limited.

"Reptiles can make great pets but at Proteus we are seeing increasing numbers of sick and abandoned reptiles. We have to make sure that people have realistic expectations and know how to keep their reptile pets safely and sensibly."

Proteus experts have appeared on television's Animal Hospital, Absolutely Animals, Pet Rescue and Blue Peter.

For free help ring the Proteus advice line on 0800 980 2195.