ANIMAL-loving children got up close and personal with creepy crawlies and minibeasts at a veterinary surgery in Malvern.

Youngsters were given the opportunity to look behind the scenes of Best Friends Veterinary Surgery so they could see for themselves what it is like to be a vet or a nurse.

The educational day included animal-related quizzes, an opportunity to use microscopes and ultrasound machines, a talk on pet care, and even an introduction to the art of endoscopy.

Veterinary nurse Kirsty Ryley said: "A veterinary practice is always busy and there's always something interesting going on. We know that children and adults are fascinated by what goes on, and we thought this was a great way to introduce them our world."

The event took place at the Worcester Road surgery on Wednesday, February 13.