Simon Pegg enjoys Butterfly World in St Albans

Star of Hot Fuzz and Run Fatboy Run has fun at Chiswell Green

SHAUN of the Dead star Simon Pegg enjoyed the “winged and many-legged wonders” at Butterfly World in St Albans on Sunday.

After spending a long time in the butterfly house and the insect study centre at the Noke Lane, Chiswell Green, attraction, the English comedian told staff he thought the project was fantastic and that he is keen to return.

Simon enjoyed handling the insects, getting a close-up view of a giant stick insect and an Atlas Moth. He also looked at the Madagascan hissing cockroaches and Ethiopian crickets, which are giant-sized insects with a piercing whistle.

He saw new exhibit, the Leafcutter Ants display, where ants have been trained to carry popcorn, sugar puffs and other interesting objects.

Via online social networking site Twitter, Simon later tweeted that he had a lovely time at Butterfly World and thanked staff, “for all the fun and winged, many legged wonders.”

Simon joins a string of stars, including EastEnders actor Jake Wood, a patron, recently visiting the attraction.

David and Carrie Grant, pop vocal coaches on Fame Academy, were also at Butterfly World on Sunday.

Angela Harkness, managing director of the project, said: “It’s becoming a hotspot for celebs and their children. We are really honoured that they want to come here.

“We look after our celebrity visitors and ensure they have space.”

Butterfly World will be decorated with big spiders, creepy monsters and monster moths on Saturday October 29, as part of fairy and pumpkin day. This will be followed with a fireworks extravaganza on Sunday November 6.

See www.butterflyworldproject.com for details of these events and October half-term activities.