Exotic pets in South Tyneside can now be booked into a luxury reptile hotel while their owners go on holiday.

The Reptile Hotel, in Marsden, is run by Carol Thornton who is the owner of scaly pets and recently recognised a need for reptile accommodation.

Up to ten pets can stay at the hotel at any one time and they have their own delicious menu featuring such treats as live crickets.

Ms Thornton also sells exotic pets and reveals that her business is proving popular with owners of unusual creatures including bearded dragons

"I recognised a gap in the market, and news about the shop is already spreading. We only opened earlier this month but business has been good," she told the Shields Gazette.

"We can also house up to 10 pets at a time. We can accommodate reptiles up to about 2ft long while their owners are on holiday."

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard from Australia and can grow up to 24 inches in length.