The Devon County Show has extended an exciting opportunity to a young autistic adult to display his love for bugs and reptiles.

As part of its "Inclusivity" programme, 20-year-old Ned Riley will present four animals provided from Exeter Exotics in a jungle garden installation situated in the Crafts & Horticulture marquee.

Mr Riley is from South Somerset and has had a passion for bugs and reptiles since he was young.

Unfortunately, he has found the transition from school to employment challenging.

Like many other neurodivergent young adults, he lacks confidence in going for interviews and doesn't have a standard CV showcasing his skills.

Yet Mr Riley hopes to transform his passion into a livelihood.

The initiative by the Devon County Show aligns with its commitment towards enhancing inclusivity at the show.

It has also introduced several new features this year, including a Quiet Zone for neuro divergent children, a high dependency toilet unit, and disability stewards.

Mr Riley had the unique opportunity to explore the jungles in Sri Lanka with his parents earlier this year.

His sharp eye helped him spot a myriad of extraordinary bugs, including a Myrmaplata Plataeoides, a red weaver ant-mimicking jumping spider, along with a brilliant green vine snake.

His mother Jane said: "I don’t think I’ve ever seen my son so animated as he kept discovering bugs he’d only dreamt about seeing before the holiday.

"I am now determined that Ned should try and make a career out of his very genuine talent.

"I’m so hoping that Devon County Show might help give him a much-needed foot on the ladder.

"You never know, he might become the next David Attenborough!"

Mr Riley's royal python snake, Horizon, is housed by Exeter Exotics, a reptile shop with a five-star Animal Activity Licence, whenever he is out of town.

To support Mr Riley, the owners of the shop have kindly provided him four animals to exhibit, including a Brazilian Black Velvet Tarantula, a Crested Gecko, a Corn Snake and Burmese Beauty Millipedes.

The animals will be located in temperature-controlled vivaria that replicate their natural environments.

Devon County Show attendees can observe but not touch.

Jane said: "If you’re phobic about bugs, you should really try and pay Ned a visit.

"From my own personal experience, the more you understand about bugs and their purpose on the planet, the less frightening they become."

Mr Riley will be appearing at the Devon County Show on Thursday 16th, Friday 17th and Saturday, May 18.

To book advance tickets with a discount, you can visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk.