Reptile fans will be in their element at a special event in York next week.

A pet shop in the city is hosting a reptile road show, with experts offering tips and advice and showing off their own reptile pets.

The event is free to lizard lovers, snake supporters and reptile fans of every description, though reptiles themselves are not invited.

It will include free advice, fact sheets, weight charts and dietary information for reptile owners and those thinking of buying a scaly pet.

One of the experts, Sarah Beales, who co-runs Proteus, a voluntary pets rescue organisation, said: "Reptiles are now the fastest growing sector of the pet industry in the UK, but unfortunately people's knowledge about reptiles - and what is involved in keeping them - is fairly limited.

"Reptiles make great pets but at Proteus we are seeing increasing numbers of sick and abandoned animals. We have to make sure that people have realistic expectations and know how to keep their reptile pets safely and sensibly."

The event is being hosted on Saturday, April 24, at Pets At Home, the Clifton Moor Centre, Stirling Road, York.

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