BOSSES of Bewdley's safari park booked a fleet of coaches in a novel park- and-ride scheme to ensure they did not miss out on bumper visitor numbers over the Easter period.

It was all aboard for people who would normally drive through the animal reserves in their own cars but are currently prevented from doing so by the foot and mouth risis. Matthew Punting and Hannah Hughes jump aboard the coach taking visitors round the reserve at West Midland Safari Park.

A park spokesman said: "We were quite pleased with the attendances despite all the problems.

"At one stage we had about 20 coaches going round in a continuous loop.

"To be honest, we got more people than we expected."

It had previously been announced that only the amusement rides at the West Midland Safari and Leisure Park would be open while the crisis persisted.

"We have been closed for five months for annual winter closing so we need Easter," the spokesman added.

"With the onset of foot and mouth, we have had to look at ways of bringing people in safely."

Visitors taking the Whittle coach tour through the park were still subject to basic disinfecting precautions.