THERE'S great fun brewing at West Midland Safari Park for autumn nights with the launch of their special Enchanted Evenings event, which opens on Friday and runs for a spell on selected evenings up to November 1.

The many ghoulish goings-on includes Spooky Animal Encounters in the classroom, under the supervision of our very own witches, who will no doubt cast their magic with a little help from their best friends the Hissing Cockroach, Giant Millipede and scariest of all the Emperor Scorpion.

During the event, Tree Tops pavilion will be the venue for Creative Capers, which hosts a variety of hands-on activity sessions to suit all budding artisans and those that enjoy creating a little 'make believe'.

There's a chance to win a prize too, by joining in with the Treasure Hunt and a chance to discover more about Darwin and his exploits in the new Darwin Trail. The Trail incorporates an illuminated walk-through, with its 'out of this world' theming. Whilst the animal reserves will be closed throughout Enchanted Evenings, watch out for illuminated prehistoric creatures and more than 100 glowing animals and light boxes.

The Sea Lions are up to their usual tricks with a stage version of a famous children's classic tale - with a creepy twist, naturally - that will be performed each evening at the Sea Lion Theatre - and very popular it will be.

The all-weather Discovery Trail exhibits will be open too. Visit Twilight Cave, with it's free flying bats; Creepy Crawlies home to hundreds of tiny critters of the night; Seaquarium that exhibits some wonderful creatures that live in our oceans and Mark O'Shea's Reptile World, home to some of the deadliest snakes and reptiles around.

To round off a perfectly Enchanted Evening, there are late night rides - including Venom and the Black Fly - along with a host of fun games and attractions to suit every ghoul and ghostie.

West Midland Safari Park's Enchanted Evening Event starts at 5.30pm on Friday and on October 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 and then every evening from October 23 until November 1 - including Halloween, of course.

Admission to Enchanted Evenings costs £6 adults. £5.50 children. A Family Ticket (two adults and two children) costs £20. Children under three years are admitted free. Multi-ride wristbands cost £8 adults, £7.50 children and a Cubs Kingdom child wristband £5.50. Family Wristband Offer (two adults and two children) £27.50. Amusement rides are charged extra in all cases.

West Midland Safari & Leisure Park is open seven days until November 6. For further information, visit www.wmsp.co.uk or call 01299 402114.