Residents at the new Hatherleigh Care Village received some unusual guests recently when Exmoor Zoo paid a visit to the elderly folk there.

Humbug the skunk came along, bringing some friends, including a snake called 'Sticky', a huge stick insect and a swarm of hissing cockroaches.

Zoo keeper Steve Eddy delighted the residents with this diverse group of creatures. He explained about their special features, natural environments and even some of their bizarre habits before allowing residents to touch and feed them.

Steve said: 'This is a wonderful way of interacting with and creating experiences for such a wonderful group of people for whom a visit to the zoo may not be easy.'

Wayne Shermon, operations director of the care village said: 'Our residents were thrilled at seeing the animals and really appreciated the chance to experience normal activities such as going to the Zoo.

'At PSP Healthcare we believe that our residents should be permitted to age without compromise and provided with every opportunity that they can to lead a stimulating and exciting lifestyle.'

Exmoor Zoo is keen to ensure that as many people as possible can experience its wide collection of animals. It therefore arranges special visits for those who may not be able to go to the zoo itself.

Before the animals left, the elderly residents were able to pose with them for photographs — seen right — which will be included in the village scrap book.