YOUNGSTERS from two primary schools got down and dirty with mini beasts when they had a visit from Zoolab as part of a creativity week.

Children from both Chirton and All Cannings primaries near Devizes held a number of joint activities organised by teachers Rebecca Hardwick and Gill Davies as part of the schools' federation status.

Chirton associate head teacher Amy Bekker-Wrench said: "The soft federation has proved to be a huge success for both schools, as expertise and resourcing has been shared."

In addition to the Zoolab visit, which allowed the children to handle mini beasts such as tarantulas and giant African snails, there was a willow workshop, dance workshop, visit from the Egg Theatre in Bath and a trip to Roche Court in Salisbury.

Parents were also invited in to share their expertise and skills. The week ended with an exhibition organised by pupils to showcase to parents all that had taken place.

Mrs Hardwick said: "We wanted to continue our strong collaborative links by organising a fun and interactive creativity week across both sites where everyone would benefit. The federation has been hugely successful and continues to go from strength to strength, particularly as the children get to interact and learn from one another."