Littleport loves its animals and its children.

Two primary schools, two recently built for secondary education - fun activities for youngsters at the Littleport Leisure Centre and a busy Youth and Community Centre with a council appointed youth worker - are testament to the latter.

Two thriving modern retailers, purveyors of all that residents may require for their collectively many domestic animals and birds, are basically old-fashioned family-owned pet shops that testify to the former.

Camelot Creature Comforts at 3 Hale Fen, CB61EN, is run by retired jockey and trainer John Bushe and his wife Alison.

Naturally they stock feed and bedding etc., for horses, as well as poultry and reptile food and food and accoutrements for every kind of pet.

Until the end of February, with every four 2k bags of Natures Menu mixers you get a fifth free. 01353864538.

Jurassic Bark Pet Supplies, that looks just like a pets’ supermarket dream, is sited in Saxon Business Park CB61XX.

Its proprietor is the son of Littleport’s mid-20th century respected teacher, Mr Partridge, whose sideline was building boats.

Lionel remembers Prince Philip visiting his dad’s boatyard in the 60’s! 01353863883 online shopping too www.jurassicbark-online.co.uk

Last week, Wood Green charity ‘helping pets and their people’ held a free drop-in for pets on the shop’s forecourt - and is holding a free half-term family event Tuesday February 20 at the village hall in Victoria Street.

From 12-1.30pm it’s a cat champion workshop, and from 2.30-4pm a dog champion workshop. To reserve your free family ticket online: woodgreen.org.uk/view-all-events/.

Community outreach officer Steph says “it’s for children from aged five and up with an accompanying adult”.

Half-term ThePort youth group meets at the Youth and Community Centre on Tuesday 20 from 4.15-5.30pm. There is also an engagement café from 5.30-7. 30pm.

Thursday is a holiday session for those aged eight-plus, from 11am to 1pm. Wednesday is the Community Hub, which is open to all ages from 9am-noon. Call Jo 07988477255.

If you can leave your pets or children, 9pm on Saturday night (February 17) Littleport Ex-Servicemen’s Club presents Step Back Duo.

And The Crown Inn has soul/Motown with Cecil.