SCHOOL went wild this half term at an animal-based local community learning day.
Callington Community College was the venue for the day which featured charities from all over Devon and Cornwall as well as displays of animal agility and a chance to meet local heroes from the natural world.
Children could speak to representatives from each charity, take part in shows and quizzes and have their faces painted in a variety of wild designs.
It is the first time such an event has been staged in Callington and proved to be a great success with children and charities alike.
It was organised by Callington Library manager Anique Skinner who came up with a novel idea for an entry fee.
She said: ?We wanted to make it affordable for everyone but we also wanted the charities to benefit.
?In the end we decided entrance would be £1 plus a tin of dog or cat food and an old towel or blanket?.
The idea obviously paid off as charity representatives left with armfuls of food and towels ready to go to new homes and grateful owners.
Jean Linton of the hedgehog charity Prickles Unit said: ?The day has been a fantastic success and everyone has benefitted from it.
?The children are fascinated by the animals and it is important they learn about such a vital part of their community.?
Visitors were treated to an agility display by dogs from Pensilva kennels and met amazing canine representatives from Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.
Steve Charmin from Hearing Dogs for the Deaf said: ?We?ve all had a brilliant day, the dogs included.
?It raised people?s awareness of local charities and also reassured us that young people care deeply about animal issues.?
The day finished with children receiving attendance certificates and going home a little more knowledgeable about the natural world.
Charities represented at the event included the RSPCA, Cinnamon Trust, Wingletang Animal Rescue Centre, Cats Protection League, South West Equine Trust, Prickles Unit and Gables Farm.