WEST Midland Safari Park launched its eleventh annual Santa Safari event last month.

The Bewdley attraction's annual Santa Safari event kicked off on November 12 and will run until Christmas Eve.

Staff at the Park have worked hard to transform the Discovery Trail into a winter wonderland – with a magical grotto and a cosy craft club for Mrs Claus to run. They have also planted more than 350 Christmas trees, surrounded by a sprinkling of more than 1,500kg of 'snow'.

Our Santa Safari experience began with a trip around the Park’s four-mile drive-through safari.

When we entered the Discovery Trail we were greeted with falling snow, elves and impressive Christmas displays – with excellent photo opportunities.

We started by visiting the Santa Trail, discovering all the hidden clues around the Park, which had been transformed into a magical winter wonderland with snow covered floors – before the time had finally come us to meet Santa.

We queued up and met a friendly elf who showed us to our seats for a magical sleigh ride to the North Pole. We arrived at Santa’s grotto and walked through a door to enter Santa’s home.

Santa took his time with the children, asking questions on what they wanted for Christmas and whether had been good this year.

One of his elves took a picture of my children with Santa, before we went into the workshop to choose a present for each child from the wide selection of toys.

After collecting our photo, we head down into the Plaza for our free hot chocolates, cookies and mince pies – and I left the West Midland Safari Park with two very happy boys.

Santa Safari runs daily until Christmas Eve (December 24). The Adventure Theme Park is closed during the winter season.

For more information or to book tickets for the Santa Safari event, visit santasafari.com or call 01299 400700.