A GIANT hairy tarantula and “Fat Bob” the extra large iguana were just some of the stars of the show at a creepy crawly themed talk.

Craig Robinson

A GIANT hairy tarantula and “Fat Bob” the extra large iguana were just some of the stars of the show at a creepy crawly themed talk.

Students at Suffolk New College were treated to the show yesterday as part of science and engineering week.

They were given a talk on the rainforest but also had a chance to handle some of the spiders, insects, snakes and other reptiles that can be found there.

The animals were brought along by Paul Gilby, owner of Claws and Fins reptile shop in Eagle Street, Ipswich, along with his colleagues Demi Hamilton and Kevin Lockwood.

The Congo was the main focus of the talks - especially the impact that Tantallum mining, which is used in mobile phones, is having on the population and wildlife.

The students were also told about tropical disease, which focussed on worms, their entry into the body, usually orally, and their subsequent exit via eyes and feet.

The event was organised by college lecturer Andy Byford and sponsored by The British Science Association which donated �250 to hold he show.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk New College said: “Two talks were organised on scientific aspects of the rainforest and a chance for students to see and handle some spiders and reptiles found in the forest.

“Obviously the animals were the highlight of this event, particularly the huge hairy tarantula and 'Fat Bob' the extra large iguana.

“The students had a brilliant time and had great difficulty restarting lessons due to the crowds coming in to handle them!”