A SCHOOL has scaled up its operation by finding a home for a collection of rare snakes.

The Deane School's farm has one of the most impressive selection of the reptiles anywhere, including one on the endangered list.

The school was approached by the family of Little Lever snake fan James Dale.

His daughters Jacqueline, Sharon, Michelle and son Steven asked for help when Mr Dale became too ill to look after his collection.

Farm keeper Fred Tyldesley was only to happy to offer the snakes a new home.

He said: "They are in excellent condition. It is obvious Mr Dale took great care of the animals and they have made a great addition to our collection, which already includes a boa constrictor."

Mr Dale's collection includes a Mexican Milk Snake, Snow Corn snakes, King snakes, a Sonoeran Gopher snake and Royal Pythons.

But the pride of the collection is an eight feet Indigo snake which Mr Dale has reared since 1990.

Mr Tyldesley said: "They are from America and are now on the endangered species list.

"They would not be allowed into the country any more so it is quite a find."

The new batch takes the collection up to 20 snakes.

Mr Tyldesley said: "It is great for the children to see and study such animals close up and it helps with all parts of the school's curriculum."

Mr Tyldesley wanted to show the snakes off at the school's annual pet show this weekend, but the event was cancelled because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

He said: "As soon as we get the all-clear, we will be opening the farm to the public at weekends."