A HAIRY screaming armadillo, a meerkat, Europe's only raccoon-dog and a 10ft albino python were just some of the creatures that invaded a primary school as part of an event held to raise awareness of deforestation.

More than 100 delighted pupils at Coopersale and Theydon Garnon Church of England Primary School in Brickfield Road, Coopersale, Epping, enjoyed the visit from the Zoofari mobile zoo as part of their work learning about the rainforest and its wild animals.

Kathy O'Neill, chair of the school's Parent Teacher Association, which organised the visit, said: “It was fantastic. The children had a great time getting up close to the animals, even ones such tarantulas – they were absolutely mesmerised.

“When they got the snake out he was hidden in a duvet and I thought the little ones were going to freak out but everyone was very well behaved.”