THERE is not much which bugs these schoolchildren — not even the real thing.

In fact Bolton School pupils were actually excited to meet some of the beetles and bugs from Bolton Museum’s collection.

They found out more about the insects from Alex McLeman, the learning manager at the museum.

The special session tied in with the release of the book Beetle Boy by M G Leonard.

It is one of the novels shortlisted for this year’s Bolton Children’s Fiction Award which aims to enthuse young people around the borough about reading in weird and wonderful ways.

Mr McLeman showed pupils some of the preserved beetles, including rhinoceros beetles like Baxter in the novel and several other types of beetle that appear in the book.

A spokesman for Bolton School said it had been a fabulous event and that all the pupils had thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The spokesman said: “This was a great opportunity for pupils who had already enjoyed the story to see what the beetles they had read about were really like and find out more about them.

“In addition to the drawer filled with beetles, Alex also showed a drawer full of preserved bugs.

“He explained the difference between beetles and bugs, as well as talking about wasps, bees and hornets.

“The sessions were filled with interesting facts and details about the many kinds of beetles and bugs on display.

“One of the highlights was the chance to hold touch and even hold two different kinds of cockroach: the slow-moving Madagascan Hissing Cockroach, and the speedier Peppered Leaf Cockroach.

“Both boys and girls made the most of this brilliant and memorable opportunity.”

He added: “The pupils who attended the beetles and bugs sessions were full of excited questions and really enjoyed learning more about these often misunderstood creatures.”