WEST Midland Safari Park has been named as the 'Best Animal or Sealife Attraction' at a prestigious national awards show – with members of staff scooping a further set of prizes.

The award for the safari park, which is voted for by visitors, was presented at the Group Travel Awards, an annual event organised by Group Travel Organiser magazine.

Guest Relations Officer, Sue Day, was also recognised for 'Outstanding Contribution to Group Travel by an Individual' during the awards in London on June 3.

She said: "To have been acknowledged by such a prestigious organisation and a leading voice within the group travel industry as ‘Best Animal or Sealife Attraction for Groups’, beating off some very tough opposition, is praise indeed.

"Winning this award indicates that we are delivering the right kind of service to our guests.

"We consider the group travel sector to be an important part of our customer base and have always endeavoured to support group organisers planning to visit our attraction.

"My individual award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Group Travel by an Individual’ really is the icing on the cake.

"For anyone to have been awarded such an accolade by their peers and travel industry leaders is a mark of respect like no other and I cannot stress enough how truly humbled I am by this.

"I feel it is a great privilege to work at such a customer focused attraction and these awards make my many years of service even more rewarding.”

Two members of staff were also recognised for their photography skills at the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) 50th anniversary awards ceremony.

Videographer, James Felton, won the award for the 'Wildlife in the Wild' category for his picture of a marbled white butterfly, on the park’s Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Head of Creative, Dave Powner, received a commendation in the same category for a photo of a goldcrest at the same location, as did James for his photo of a jackdaw in the park’s African Village.