A FORMER reality TV show contestant wants to bring exotic animals - including crocodiles, snakes, lizards and skunks - to Sherdley Park.

Scott Gavin, 32, who appeared on Channel 5 show The Big Benefits Handout in 2016, says the attraction would bring more tourists to St Helens.

Scott, who lives in Kirkby with his wife Leanne and their five children, says he has put his idea to St Helens Council but has had "no joy".

The Big Benefits Handout show tested what families would do if their annual state handouts are given to them all at once.

Former electrician Scott, who lived in St Helens until around six years ago, was given £26,000. He bought a number of unusual animals to start up business Party Central Entertainments Ltd.

He said: "I want to set up in Sherdley Park's old Pet Corner as it's now shut down. It won't be like the old park. It will be full of exotics. And totally revamped."

He added: "It would be a brilliant day out and will offer jobs to locals and work experience for college students.

"On hot days we will have magicians, clowns, balloon modellers, face-painters and inflatables.

"We would have a daily animal encounter shows where visitors could handle the animals."

He said the creatures on display would include caiman crocodiles, snakes, lizards, tarantulas, scorpions, giant insects, parrots, monkeys, skunks and meerkats.

A St Helens Council spokesperson said: "The council can confirm it has been in contact with Mr Gavin over a request to use this facility, but with major investment in the region of £244,000 needed for infrastructure works to conform with environmental and health and safety legislation, this proposal is not considered to be practical.

"All the animals at pets' corner have now been successfully re-homed and the facility is due to be demolished, with the area returning to parkland."