CHILDREN from Cotherstone Primary School got to handle unusual pets such as guinea pigs and a tortoise when a veterinary surgeon came to visit.
It was part of what class one was learning about this term.
Jennie Lee, from the school, said: “The theme is people who help us. So far we have had one of our parents Sally Baker, who told us about her role as a nurse, and this morning we have vet Richard Matthews.”
During the session the children were allowed to listen to the heart beat of guinea pig Cadbury and watch as Tina the tortoise munched away on dandelions.
Mr Matthews told the children: “Tortoises can live as long as 150 years. I think the oldest was 152 years old when it died.”
The children were eager to know which were the largest and most dangerous animals Mr Matthews had handled.
They were fascinated to find out that he had helped a bull as heavy as a car and has a fear of snakes.
Days later, Barnard Castle fire brigade visited the school to explain the work they do for the community. Firefighters Lindsay Glendinning, Peter Dean and Ross Murray also demonstrated their equipment and fire engine.
