PENSIONERS at York House experienced first hand, the horrors of Halloween when a host of fiendish creatures descended on the Dewsbury care home at the weekend.

Folk at the residential home on Old Bank Road had an absolute scream on Saturday as they got up close to some huge hairy spiders, slippery snakes and leathery lizards at a special Halloween party.

The residents were joined by their sons, daughters and grandchildren who, along with the carers, dressed in a variety of ghoulish get-ups for the party including vampires, witches and zombies for the spooktacular knees-up.

Staff organised a buffet, Halloween games and scary face painting, while local firm Lion Learners brought along a selection of creepy critters.

The Leeds based animal education and therapy company which visits schools, nurseries, and care homes, also included a few fluffier individuals such as rabbits and chinchillas for the more squeamish among the revellers.

"It was a fabulous day," said manager Cheryl Green of Orchard Care Homes. "You don't often you get the chance to get up close to such unusual animals

"The residents had been really looking forward to it. It was great to see them having such fun with their grandchildren and the youngsters were just great.

"The girls liked the chinchillas and rabbits best but I think the boys preferred the tarantula and the snake."

Liona Woricker, partner in Lion Learners added: "We always have a fantastic response from care home residents and today was no different.

"It was fantastic for the grandchildren to come along and have a wonderful time with the animals as well."