Ever fancied getting up close and personal with exotic creepy crawlies like praying mantises, stick insects, or even vinegaroons?
Surprisingly enough, that opportunity is right on your doorstep with the opening of the UK's largest insect zoo right here in Norfolk.
BugzUK Parc, run by Martin French, recently completed the construction of its larger premises in Lenwade, near Reepham, which now covers 8,100 sq ft.
It houses Mr French's collection of more than 200 different species of invertebrates from across the globe.
Through a zoo, café and gift shop open to the public, the new attraction has also provided a boost to the local economy and created 10 jobs for locals.
The expansion was made possible by a £70,000 funding package from HSBC UK.
Martin French, who founded BugzUK business more than two decades ago, said: "Breeding tropical invertebrates has been a passion of mine for the past 30 years.
"It’s so exciting to see how many bug-mad kids and adults there are in and around Norfolk.
"Opening the zoo has allowed me to turn this hobby into a career so I can share my knowledge with the next generation of invertebrate enthusiasts.
"The support from HSBC UK has been invaluable in completing the build and enabling us to launch."
BugzUK Park first opened earlier this year and has already enjoyed success, welcoming more than 10,000 visitors through the door.
During handling session experiences, visitors can get up close with creatures including stick insects, praying mantises, millipedes, beetles, snails, vinegaroons, katydids and cockroaches.
The site also doubles up as a teaching centre and is set to host a number of educational trips throughout the school year.
What's more, Mr French is planning to further expand the attraction over the next decade, opening new exhibitions each year and offering additional employment opportunities.
Daniel Jones, regional director at HSBC UK, added: “Supporting the launch of this unique, educational attraction has been so rewarding, especially with the knowledge that further expansion is planned over the next decade.
"It’s certainly one of the more niche businesses we’ve worked with, and we’re really pleased with the positive response it’s had so far."
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