IT was pure "animal magic" for former pet shop trader Harry Makin when some surprise guests helped him celebrate his 103rd birthday in style.

He was able to get up close with a collection of snails, snakes, rats and centipedes thanks to staff at Hollybank care home in Radcliffe.

They arranged for Zoolab, a provider of live animal workshops, to come along to make his birthday extra special.

Joanne Gilmore, deputy manager at the Bolton Road home, said: "Because Harry used to be in the pet trade, we felt that this would be a good way for him to celebrate his 103rd birthday. He was stroking the snails and was quite happy with everything."

Staff also threw a special birthday bash for Harry, who who ran a pet shop in Water Street until he retired at the age of 79.

He was joined at last Thursday's celebratory party by his son Peter, and he also has a daughter Eunice, three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was brought up in Smyrna Street before moving to Alma Street after he married wife Martha, who died around 20 years ago at the age of 82.

His family put Harry's longevity and good health to the fact he always walked everywhere and never drove.