HISSING cockroaches, giant snails and a parrot will be on show at a Shelley garden centre.

They will be at Armitage’s Pennine Garden Centre along with animal experts to celebrate National Pet Month.

The three-day event starts on Thursday and aims to raise awareness of responsible pet ownership.

There will be rescue dogs from Tia Greyhound and new guinea pigs in need of names.

On April 30 Donaldson’s Vets will be on hand to advise about rabbit care and experts from James Wellbeloved will answer questions on pet nutrition.

There will also be charity fundraising as well as activities for kids and competitions.

William Armitage, director of Armitage’s Garden Centres, said: “We’ve got lots happening on each day including treasure hunts, competitions, prize draws, face painting and giveaways.

“But it’s really all about caring responsibly for your pet.”

There is still time to enter the pet caption competition, which will be judged on April 30.

Entrants need to email their funny pet photo and caption to be in with the chance of winning a prize including a pet photo shoot.

Pictures should be emailed along with a name, address and telephone number to ifpetscouldtalk@armitages.com.

The event runs from Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm.