LITTLE ones under five are invited to a royal party at Dudley Zoo and Castle next month.

Youngsters are encouraged to dress as Kings, Queens, Princes or Princesses to join in the Platinum Jubilee themed celebrations in the castle courtyard on Wednesday June 29 and Thursday June 30.

The zoo's marketing manager, Andrea Hales, said: “This popular event is designed especially for our younger visitors in mind and is always a great day out for families.

“Due to the covid restrictions we haven’t been able to hold it for the last few years, so we’re delighted to be able to reinstate it in the zoo calendar this year and we can’t wait to see all the colourful regal costumes filling the castle courtyard.”

Entertainment will include Flip the clown, animal encounters with some of the zoo’s smaller furry friends, facepainting and jubilee-themed craft activities.

There’ll also be chance to meet the zoo's costumed mascots Jambi and Monty and have fun on the site’s beach area.

There are also plenty of zoo babies to spot across the 40-acre site, including a baby sloth, giant anteater, reindeer and camels calves.

Tickets are priced £7.50 for adults and £7.50 for children aged two to five and zoo admission is included.

Visit dudleyzoo.org.uk to book online or call 01384 215313.