WEST Midland Safari Park took another step towards normality yesterday when it re-opened its animal reserve.

The park, which was at risk of losing tens of thousands of pounds due to the foot and mouth epidemic, opened its gates several weeks late at the weekend - but visitors could only get into the funfair section.

And yesterday bus services started running around the animal reserve in response to public demand.

A spokeswoman said: "It was quiet last weekend, but then we didn't expect it to be fantastic - it was our first opening weekend without any animals.

"We can't have visitors' cars going round the park but they can still go on safari. The buses are designed for the purpose as people will be sitting quite high and be able to get a good view of the animals."