A world of exotic creatures at Lackham is allowing students first-hand experience of animal care.

And on Sunday, Wiltshire College opened the doors of its animal centre to the public.

About 700 visitors grabbed the chance to see and handle the creatures, including meerkats and bearded dragons.

For those brave enough, there were also pythons and cockroaches, while marmoset monkeys, Brazilian aardvarks and vibrant conure parrots gave a glimpse of South America.

All the animals are cared for by the 14 to 18-year-olds studying for diplomas in animal care and equine.

Venetia Summers, curriculum manager of these courses, said: “The day allowed the students to showcase their hard work.

“There was no area that wasn’t being used and enjoyed – it really was great to see.

“All work done here is embedded into the curriculum.

“The students have a very tangible idea of the purpose the project serves and get to see if it meets industry standards.”

Children gathered wide-eyed around the incubator as chickens could be seen hatching out in front of them.

And in the laboratory, there was a live dissection of a fish.

Youngsters got hands-on experience by grooming the donkeys and pony, and holding the rats, rabbits and birds of prey, while those in the stable yard learned how to bandage a horse and were able to speak to a horse dentist and farrier.

Families also saw the walled gardens maintained by the horticulture students.

The entry fees, face painting, dog show and guessing competitions raised a total of about £2,000, which will be put towards maintaining the animal enclosures.