A CHANCE to get up close and personal with some scaly species is available to kids this half term holiday.

A series of free workshops focused on all things fishy and scaled are taking place at Pets at Home in Bournemouth, where youngsters can learn fun facts about fish and reptiles and how to care for the different species.

Staff will be on hand until February, Friday 19, to share their knowledge, teaching children best practice when it comes to caring for reptiles and fish responsibly.

There will also be a chance for youngsters to meet and greet the stars of the workshop, including freshwater and tropical fish, bearded dragons and leopard geckos.

Hailey Bunn, store manager, said: “Fish and reptiles make extremely rewarding pets, particularly for older children. The free workshops are a chance for Bournemouth pet lovers to engage with our colleagues who will be able to offer tips and advice on pet care, while making the workshops fun and interactive, with plenty of opportunities for getting hands on with the stars of the sessions.”

The workshops are running as part of the My Pets Pals activity club at the store. Children taking part will learn about different species of fish and reptiles, as well as receive valuable information and advice any potential pet owner needs to know before taking on the responsibility of a pet, such as what they eat, how to feed them and the unique needs of each pet.

After completing the workshops, each child will receive a certificate and stickers, along with a pet promise card where they make their pledge to look after any pet they have according to the five welfare needs: a safe place to live, food and water, enough space, the right company and good health.

To find out more about the activity club and to book a place at one of the workshops, visit petsathome.com/workshops