ALL manner of scaly and spiky creatures will be on show when the North-East Reptile Show returns this weekend.

Hordes of reptile lovers and their exotic pets will descend upon Darlington’s Longfield Academy on Sunday, August 10.

The annual event – previously held at Durham University – will entertain visitors with a variety of stalls, exhibitions, workshops and talks.

Snakes, lizards, bearded dragons and other creatures – some venomous – will be on show, with visitors invited to bring along their own pets for display.

The event will include a Crufts-style judging show, photography exhibitions and a breeders showcase as well as workshops on subjects such as sexing snakes and creating natural terraria.

There will also be the opportunity to find out more about adopting reptiles from the North East Reptile Rescue (NERR) organisation, which currently has hundreds of animals awaiting new homes.

Fundraiser Sara Gray said: “There’s a lot of misunderstanding about keeping reptiles – people think snakes are slimy when they’re smooth, for example.

“It costs more to keep a dog than it does a reptile and they’re easier to look after than people think, the equipment does the job for you.

“You just have to feed them and water them and they have a lot of love to give.”

A raffle will be held to raise money for NERR which is funded solely through donations.

The event takes place from 10am at Longfield Academy. Admission is £2 for non-members, free for accompanied under-16s and £1 for over-65s.

Workshops cost 50p per person and entry into the judging show costs 50p per animal or terrarium.

Anyone bringing a reptile is asked to keep it in a ventilated plastic tub, which can be placed on heated mats available at the venue.