ANIMAL activists staged a demonstration outside a store to protest about the selling of reptiles.

The protesters -- local members of the national pressure group Animal Aid -- targeted Petworld, which is part of the Focus Do It All Store, in Throstle Street, Blackburn.

The demonstration was part of a national campaign which warned against health risks of keeping reptiles in captivity.

Focus Do It All has 75 stores across the country with Petworlds inside although a spokesman said the protests were "isolated incidents." Campaigners said they were prompted to act following the second infant death so far this year from contact with a salmonella infected reptile. The said children under five, pregnant women and the elderly should all avoid contact with reptiles.

The store is the last pet chain to sell reptiles and Animal Aid member Clifford Warwick believes the health risk is maximised with captive animals. Captivity places tremendous stress on reptiles and changes their natural microbiology in a way that increases illnesses in the animals," he said. "Because captive animals are prolific carriers of salmonella and other micro-organisms, they can be a major cause of disease in humans."

But a spokesman for Focus Do It All dismissed the campaigns as scaremongering and claimed the company informs customers of any health risks.

He said: "Our comprehensive training materials for employees include full briefings on the risks of contracting Salmonella infection and other diseases through contact with animals, which are used when discussing animal care with customers."