WEST Midland Safari Park has announced when it will reopen to guests - although the walk through areas will remain closed for the time being.

Tickets have gone on sale for the Bewdley park's initial reopening on the weekend of December 5 and 6. It will then open again from Wednesday, December 9 to Friday, December 11.

Only the safari drive-through will be open on these dates and booking will be essential.

A spokesman for West Midland Safari Park announced today (Wednesday): "We’re thrilled to announce that we will be partially back open from Saturday, December 5.

"Tickets are now live for our initial opening, December 5 to 6 and December 9 to 11. We are opening the safari drive-through only on these dates. Booking is essential.

"We hope to open the walk-through areas as well on selected dates from December 12 and tickets will be available for these dates from next week."

They added: "We can’t wait to welcome everyone back again safely."

The park has been closed since November 4, when bosses said they were "saddened" that the second nationwide lockdown would force it to close for the second time this year.

To book tickets for the park's reopening, visit wmsp.co.uk. Tickets will be £15 per person while the park is partially open, but guests will not receive a free return code.

Everyone visiting, including annual pass holders, those with free return tickets and children under three, still need to pre-book tickets.

Visitors will be asked to keep at least one metre apart from others at all times.