YOUNGSTERS came face-to-face with creepy crawlies thanks to a Hollywood star’s mum.

Orlando Bloom’s mother Sonia Copeland Bloom launched her second children’s book in Oxford.

Her story of Woody the Woodlouse is aimed at getting youngsters interested in bugs.

The book was launched on the UK market at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History on Saturday to coincide with the annual Young Entomologist’s Day.

The museum put on lectures and workshops for children.

Mrs Copeland Bloom said: “We are trying to promote to children a love of insects and mini beasts because they are so important to the world – we would not be here without insects.

“Every bit of ground has been tilled by worms so the roots can grow.

“They are vital. The world would be like the moon if it was not for insects.”

Museum education officer Chris Jarvis added: “Insects are the basis of the food chains on land. They recycle all the dead material and make up 65 per cent of species on the planet.”

Mark Bailey, 41, said: “It is taking kids’ natural fascination with bugs to that next level.”

His daughter Libby Morton-Bailey, seven, said: “Bugs makes us live, like bees give us honey. They are also nice to look at.”

All the proceeds from Mrs Copeland Bloom’s book will go to the Amateur Entomologists’ Society.

Pictures: Andrew Walmsley