WEST Midland Safari Park has made the decision to cancel its popular Christmas grotto due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The annual Santa Safari was due to take place in December, featuring an indoor grotto with a chance for children to meet Father Christmas, however the park has announced the event will not go ahead due to safety concerns.

In a post on Facebook, West Midland Safari Park said: "It’s with a heavy heart that we let you know our popular Santa Safari event will not take place this year, as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

"We have carefully explored all possible options to run our indoor grotto, but the safety of our guests and staff has to remain our top priority.

"We understand this will be really disappointing to all those who support us, but we feel it best to concentrate on working on next year’s event to provide a magical Christmas experience which is as safe and special as can be.

"We would like to reassure all those guests with existing bookings for December, that our team will contact you this week via email to process refunds.

"We remain hopeful that we can still celebrate the festive season in some capacity when we reopen in December and look forward to seeing you soon."