YOUNGSTERS came face-to-face with creatures of the deep when marine life was brought to their classroom.

Crabs, starfish and baby sharks visited the Church Road Primary School, Smithills, as part of a science and nature week.

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Pupils were given the chance to handle the crabs and were taught how the species live in the wild.

All the animals which were taken to the school are native to British waters, including a baby Nurse Hound Shark which will grow to as long as two metres.

Science co-ordinator Eleanor Atkinson said: "We wanted to bring pupils as close as we could to marine animals.

"It helps children to understand how these creatures live and how our environment works.

"Some of them were a bit reluctant to pick up the live animals but they have all learned about how they live in the wild."

Pupils between the ages of four and 11 have been learning about wildlife as part of science and nature week at the 400-pupil school.

Steve Hawkes of Interactive Educational Programmes, which arranged the "touchpool" session, in association with the Blackpool Sea Life Centre, said: "This method of teaching captures the imagination of children better than just showing them pictures of animals.

"By being able to touch the different species, they gain a better appreciation of wildlife."

Five-year-old Charlie Judge said: "I liked touching all the different animals and the crabs tickled my hand."