WHILE many make the most of the last week of the summer holidays, staff at West Midland Safari Park are gearing up for the start of term - with some assistance from some tiny helpers.

To show that going back to school doesn't have to be all doom and gloom, staff have set up a mini classroom - perfect for some of the Park's smaller residents to 'go back to school'.

The first to explore was Finn - the Park's internet superstar baby pancake tortoise. At only seven weeks old, Finn is only 4.5cm long and would be dwarfed by a life-sized pencil pot.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Next to visit the classroom, was Ange, a lesser hedgehog tenrec and not a stranger to school experiences. Ange is a regular visitor to the Safari Academy and assists the education team in teaching visiting schools about topics such as adaptations, habitats and conservation.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Caroline Richards, head of education, said: "The Safari Park is a fantastic, fun place to visit for anyone trying to beat the back to school blues, with animals, rides and the new Boj Giggly Park children's play area - there is something for all ages.

"Unlike some children (and adults), everyone in the education team is actually looking forward to the beginning of term and we are busy getting ready to welcome school and college groups to the new Safari Academy this autumn."

She added: "Whether it is a fun hands-on animal encounter to help bond a new class, an introduction to a new theme or topic being taught, or a more in-depth workshop to support subjects such as leisure and tourism, there is something for all key stages and subjects.

"Visits to the Safari Park not only boost pupil confidence at a daunting time of the year, but are a great way to start a new term and boost outdoor learning opportunities."

The new state-of-the-art Safari Academy opened in May and features five classrooms and provides interactive education to school groups of all ages.

The Park is nearing the end of its Summer Nights event - where opening hours are extended from 9am until 9pm daily, until September 3.

For more information about West Midland Safari Park and the Safari Academy, visit wmsp.co.uk or call 01299 402114.