A Swadlincote veterinary practice has created a week dedicated to supporting and educating owners of reptiles in properly caring for their pets.

The staff of Bright Side Vets, based on West Street, have started Reptile Education Week which will take place next week (9 August- 15 August).

The popularity of reptiles as pets appears to still be rising and anecdotal evidence suggests that many owners have a lack of knowledge about their care or where to get help. Frequently when vets see these amazing creatures in practice it is often because of poor housing and basic husbandry problems. The challenge is compounded by the fact that some vets are not confident to see reptiles in practice.

Two passionate members of the team at Bright Side Vets, Ellie Bates and Lucy Clough, are reptile owners and have been inspired by the number of cases seen that required a lot of care, when the right guidance from the outset could have saved lives.

Lucy, one of the vets at Bright Side, said "It is heart breaking to see reptiles in practice that are in a bad way because of a poor understanding of their needs. Often simple things can be done to support these creatures and give them a fulfilled and healthy life."

During Reptile Education Week, information on how to help maintain the health and welfare of the five top pet reptile species in the UK – Leopard Geckos, Corn Snakes, Horsfield Tortoises, Bearded Dragons and Royal Pythons – will be shared on social media.

"There is so much to know about these amazing creatures and each day there will be lots of information being shared. Alongside this, there will be some competitions to win a goodie bag as well as offers that will be of interest to reptile owners," said Ellie, Receptionist and Marketing Assistant at Bright Side Vets.

"We are encouraging owners of reptiles to join in, share pictures of their pets using the hashtag #REW and help make this week the start of something people will get engaged with year on year."

More information about Reptile Education Week can be found here .