THERE was some animal magic at a Whittlesey school on Saturday when a zoo at its annual summer fayre proved a big hit with youngsters and visitors.

Around �2,000 was raised at the event at Alderman Jacobs Primary School when families enjoyed some great attractions.

The Mega Zoo, one of the biggest mobile zoos in the UK, featured skunks, meerkats, porcupines, giant snakes, lizards and racoons. A reptile house had lizards, tarantulas, and beetles the size of a hand.

Most of the animals could be petted or handled with the help of a fully trained staff member. Vanessa Phillips, one of the organisers of the fete, said it was the first time Petwise had taken the zoo to a school as it is normally reserved for country shows and corporate events.

Pupils had organised and thought of their own stalls which included snail racing, stocks, hoopla and the sale of original art work. Scuba diving lessons were popular and there were visits from local fire fighters, the crime bus and Neighbourhood Watch.

Winners of the recently held AJX Factor contest held at the school entertained and there was displays of country dancing.

The event was organised by the PTFA and money raised will go towards providing extras for pupils such as visits by theatre groups, authors, trips and equipment.