QUEENIE the Burmese Python is proving to be a popular attraction - and a real handful - for children at Smithills Open Farm.
And the seven-year-old reptile is also helping to cure any phobia of snakes among young visitors to the farm.
Farm manager Anthony Grimshaw says that visitors who are scared of snakes often feel better about them after meeting 10ft-long Queenie.
He said: "We've had plenty of visitors who have been terrified - but after seeing Queenie they realise snakes aren't that bad, and some actually take a liking to her.
"I think she's cured quite a few people in Bolton."
Mr Grimshaw says that the farm, next to Smithills Hall in Bolton, has been popular with youngsters since the start of the school summer break.
The farm also has two other snakes - a corn snake and a Californian King snake - in addition to a large number of other animals, including goats, sheep, calves, rabbits, chickens, turkeys and ducks.
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