Clive Bennett - renowned snake expert and long-time Belle Vue Zoo reptile keeper made what was likely to be his last public appearance in Tameside with a visit to the 1st Hyde Boys Brigade.
Clive had lived in Denton for many years but was moving south having landed a new job with a zoo in Colchester .
For ten years since Belle Vue Zoo closed, he had continued to care for several former residents of the reptile house in his own home, taking his collection out to schools, clubs and summer fairs in Tameside and surrounding areas.
Clive also founded the Greater Manchester Zoological Society and at one time was hoping to set up a nature park off Stockport Road, Hattersley.
