COULD you pick a marble from a tank of giant cockroaches?

Families can face their fears in Weymouth this half-term by getting up close and personal with the nation’s most feared creatures.

Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park is hosting a special week-long attraction for Halloween until November 4.

And challenges have been set up to test the bravest of people.

Visitors can get the chance to wrap a snake around their necks or even touch or hold a tarantula.

Staff have been facing their own fears to help visitors get up close to a variety of creepy crawlies, snakes, geckos and toads.

Marine life enthusiast Sarah Johnson is a valued member of the park and bosses wanted her fully involved in the Halloween events.

The dedicated staff member held a tarantula after a 45-minute hypnotherapy session.

She said she before the challenge she was refusing to work but is now ready for the event.

Ms Johnson, 25, added: “I don’t remember how it started but I’ve been terrified of spiders my whole life.”

“If I found a spider in the house I’d just scream for my mum and stand rooted to the spot watching it.”

Weymouth Sea Life Centre is open daily from 10am. Tickets cost £19.80 on the door and under three’s get in free, online prices are considerably cheaper.

Families could make a further saving with a big ticket for the Sea Life Centre, the Weymouth Tower and Pirate Adventure Golf.

It is based in Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, DT4 7SX. For more information call 01305 761070.