VISITORS attending a rat show in Meldreth went home with plenty of tails to tell. The North of England Rat Society (NERS) held a show at the hall on Saturday, and welcomed plenty of pet owners and their furry, long-tailed, friends. Vicky Mead, from Bassin

VISITORS attending a rat show in Meldreth went home with plenty of tails to tell.

The North of England Rat Society (NERS) held a show at the hall on Saturday, and welcomed plenty of pet owners and their furry, long-tailed, friends.

Vicky Mead, from Bassingbourn, helped organise the show and said: "It was a wonderful success and we had visitors coming from Cambridge and beyond.

"I've been keeping rats for 18 months and without a doubt they are the most rewarding pets. Each rat is different but girls tend to be fairly athletic and like to explore, whereas boys are more laid back and prefer a cuddle and a treat.

"Pet rats need a lot of stimulation as they're very clever. You can train them to do pretty much anything with a food-based incentive.

"They can also be really affectionate pets - my girls can often be found on my shoulder or snoozing in the sleeve of my jumper."

As well as an agility course and a cage dressing event, visitors could snuggle up to the rats residing in the cuddle corner. As well as members of the society and other rat owners, staff from Wood Green animal shelter also made an appearance.

Alison Campbell, Chair of the NERS said: "We have members from across the UK, but there seems to be a real cluster of rat fanciers in Cambridgeshire and north Hertfordshire which is why we're holding our first pet initiative here.

"The day was all about raising the profile of rats as pets - enjoying them together, and encouraging and welcoming newcomers.