Pet rats were in the spotlight at the weekend with a rodent-focused charity event in Meldreth.

Royston Crow: Rats were the focus of the event in Meldreth.Rats were the focus of the event in Meldreth. (Image: Archant)

The National Pet Initiative event ran at the village hall and was attended by more than 100 people, who went along to talk rats with other owners, or to find out more about caring for the creatures.

Organiser Mary Giles, from Meldreth, said: “It was a rattling success!

“Feedback left by attendees showed that everyone had learned something from their visit, and 75 per cent loved the day so much they would come back to another and recommend it to their friends.

“It was non-stop in the cuddle corner, and those rats had a wonderful time meeting the visitors.

Royston Crow: There were plenty of rats to handle. Picture: Dory ValentineThere were plenty of rats to handle. Picture: Dory Valentine (Image: Dory Valentine)

Mary said the demonstrations and Q&A session were particularly popular, with standing room only for some.

“The rats waiting at home for their owners to return were going to enjoy the purchases made from Rat Rations, and the NPI stall, along with treat toys made in the activities corner,” she added.

Cambs-based Xan Newns, seven, was over the moon and incredibly proud to discover his two rats Foxtrot and Tango had been placed second and and third in the show out of an entry of 20.

If you think you may be interested in keeping pet rats, see website www.nationalpi.org or email chairman.nationalpi@gmail.com for further information.

Royston Crow: People flocked to the rat meet at Meldreth Village Hall. Picture: Dory ValentinePeople flocked to the rat meet at Meldreth Village Hall. Picture: Dory Valentine (Image: Dory Valentine)

Royston Crow: Visitors enjoyed the day. Picture: Dory ValentineVisitors enjoyed the day. Picture: Dory Valentine (Image: Dory Valentine)