A YOUNG conservationist with a passion for creepy-crawlies is hoping to inspire others like Sir David Attenborough.

Hollie Greenhalgh, from Winsford, has been a fan of exotic animals from the age of three and keeps around 50 tarantulas, cockroaches, snails, millipedes and snakes among others in her bedroom.

Now the 10-year-old is on a mission to change people's perceptions on creepy-crawlies and follow in the footsteps of the 96-year-old biologist and broadcaster.

And to that end, she took some of her multi-legged friends to show the children at the Tree Tops after school club at Over Hall Community School.

Darnhall Primary School pupil Hollie said: "I want to travel the world, spreading my passion to as many places I can.

"Maybe on a TV show like David Attenborough - he inspires me so maybe I can inspire others like he does me.

Northwich Guardian: Theo Verdin holding a tarantulaTheo Verdin holding a tarantula (Image: Rachel Greenhalgh)

"It was very good taking them in to the after school club. I've done things like this before and taken them in to a Rainbows and Scouts' camp and done an online teaching all about them.

"It was lovely to watch the children get fascinated by them and change their opinions on how they see creepy-crawlies.

"Some of the children were scared at first but in the end, every single one held at least one of my pets.

"It makes me so proud when this happens because I feel like I'm making a difference and helping them overcome their fear.

Northwich Guardian: Hollie showing off a creature to Orla Roberts and Zara LathamHollie showing off a creature to Orla Roberts and Zara Latham (Image: Rachel Greenhalgh)

"I hope by keep doing this, less people will be frightened of spiders and other bugs. When I'm older, I will travel to different places sharing what I love and hope it inspires other children to be the same.

"A lot of people don't like these kind of animals, as they overlook them as scary. I think this is because they're given a bad name in movies and things like that.

"It makes me sad when people misunderstand them and say they're disgusting and horrible.

"They are more scared of us and would rather run away from you than hurt you. Once you learn about them, you begin to see how amazing and fascinating they are.

"You just need to give them a chance."

Northwich Guardian: Hollie shows off a creature to Logan Barlow and Angelpreet Kaur SohalHollie shows off a creature to Logan Barlow and Angelpreet Kaur Sohal (Image: Rachel Greenhalgh)

The Tree Tops after school club is run by mum Rachel Greenhalgh who is 'in awe of her passion' and, along with Hollie's dad, does what she can to support her.

Teaching assistant Rachel said: "I'm blown away by her achievements.

"It's amazing and I'm so proud of her. She has also helped me with my fear, I am more tolerable around them now from seeing her as passionate as she is, it's infectious."

Hollie has also recently been featured in a book - Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers - and attended a book signing in London.

Northwich Guardian: Maddie Young-RedmondMaddie Young-Redmond (Image: Rachel Greenhalgh)

She shares her journey with others on her YouTube channel (Princess Sophie Pink) and other social media platforms with more than 8,000 subscribers.