WEST Midland Safari Park has had a festive makeover with 350 Christmas trees, decorations, dazzling fairy lights and even ‘snow’.

This year's Santa Safari starts later this month, and Father Christmas himself has arrived already to greet some of the park's guests.

Lisa Watkins, Head of African Village, said: “Our meerkats were really excited to receive an early Christmas present from Santa, when he popped down to the African Village with a ball pit for them. Santa must have done his research before picking the perfect present, as the keepers provide the meerkats with novel items as part of their daily routine, to keep them stimulated and active.

The park’s Discovery Trail features a newly refurbished winter wonderland and elf workshop.

Children will receive a memento of their day by having a picture taken of themselves with Santa and can choose their very own present from the elves’ workshop.

Additionally, guests visiting this winter can experience a Virtual Reality Santa Sleigh Ride.

Santa Safari runs from 26 November to 24 December and is £28.50 for adults, £24.50 for children aged 3-15, £13.00 for children under the age of three and £26.50 for concessions.

The VR Sleigh ride can be added on for £4.00 per person at the time of booking.