Residents at a care home in Stansted celebrated National Wildlife Day with children from the town.

At Mountfitchet House, on Coltsfield, residents and children of staff from the care home met a bearded dragon, corn snake, and spider, all owned by the care home's kitchen assistant, Mark Presland.

Mark shared interesting facts about the animals, including that the corn snake can live for approximately 20 years and is one of the tamest animals he keeps.

The children also enjoyed a reading corner with books, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Elmer, colouring animal-inspired drawings, and a photo booth with animal masks.

Mountfitchet House resident Catherine Camp said: "National Wildlife Day is so special as it recognises the importance of the contributions wildlife makes to the world and how we share the planet with such wonderful creatures.

"I had a fantastic time colouring and taking photos with the children in the photo booth.

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"The highlight of my day was holding a bearded dragon—what an incredible experience to hold such an exotic animal at my age."

Joanna Duke, home manager at Mountfitchet House, said: "We had a fantastic day celebrating National Wildlife Day at Mountfitchet House while learning all about the interesting animals.

"We're already looking forward to welcoming the children back to Mountfitchet House very soon."