Reptiles add to excitement as dragon year gets under way

Young visitors at the Royal Armouries celebrated the Chinese year of the dragon by getting a hands-on experience with a dazzling range of reptiles.

A whole host of dragon-themed activities has been organised for the half-term break until Sunday.

The free petting zoo will also be open at the museum at Clarence Dock tomorrow.

Another family-friendly attraction is the Dragon’s Quest, where children can hunt for dragons in the galleries.

A Dragon’s Wood maze and dragon mask making have also been on the agenda together with children’s film shows – with mask makers taking their creations away with them.

One delighted mother, Keziah Paul from Huddersfield ,said her two teenage sons had made the most of their visit. She added: “My sons enjoy playing computer games like any other teenagers but it was good to get out of the house and introduce them to something different.

“The exhibition was very well put together and a lot of fun.”

Entry to the museum at Clarence Dock is free but charges are made for some of the special activities.

Details of the half-term events have been posted online – at www.royalarmouries.org.