SHOPPERS have experienced the company of exotic creatures including a Burmese python.

Visitors to Church Square Shopping Centre in St Helens were given the chance to meet an array of animals at the site’s honesty library.

The space was converted into an area for people to get up close to creatures including Rosie the skunk, Skye the barn owl, Pascal the chameleon and Sunny the Burmese python.

It is the first time the centre hosted the wildlife experience, which took place on Saturday, August 11.

Children and adults gathered at the event throughout the day where people were given the opportunity to hold the animals, take photographs and learn about the creatures.

Facepainting was also on offer with children having their faces designed in the shape of animals such as spiders, reptiles and unicorns.

A trail of eight animals was also hidden in shops in Church Square allowing children to use their exploration skills to track them down.

Those who managed to find them all were awarded with a certificate.

Church Square Shopping Centre manager, Steven Brogan, said: “The centre team are thrilled with the reaction to our creepy crawly show.

“Everyone loved learning about the creatures and many shoppers were even brave enough to handle them.

“We hope our shoppers will continue to take part in our upcoming animal themed activities through the rest of August.”

Yesterday, Saturday, Church Square continued its animal theme by giving shoppers the chance to make their own animal puppet to take home with them.

A face painter was available again to change shoppers’ faces into their favourite animals.

For more information about events at Church Square Shopping Centre visit churchsquaresthelens.co.uk.

Alternatively search for ChurchSquareStHelens on Facebook or follow the centre on its Twitter account @ChurchSquareSC.