THE neighbours popped round with an early Christmas present for Operation Covert this week!

West Midland Safari Park has always supported district Scouts as the Rhydd Covert activity centre is situated alongside the Wyre Forest attraction.

Now it has come up with a major cash donation for our appeal - and thrown in a range off bonuses to help us raise even more money to rebuild the centre torched by vandals just over a year ago.

When the appeal was launched, the park was one of its first backers when it offered to make a donation for every Scout going through its doors last summer.

As a result, the park handed over a cheque for £500 this week - and then came up with some "extras" which will keep our fund-raising rolling in the run-up to Christmas.

The park has donated 100 family tickets for Operation Covert to auction or sell.

The tickets, each costing £35.96, give admission to the park any time next year, once it re-opens in February, and give Operation Covert the potential to raise several thousand pounds.

And the safari park has gone a step further by giving our appeal a free stall, worth £105, at its three Christmas markets this month.

The first market and car boot is on Sunday, and other markets will be held on the following two Sundays, December 11 and 18.

Visitors to the Christmas markets will be able to browse round 28 stalls, under the cover of a marquee, and admission and parking is free.

Crowds in excess of 1,000 are expected on all three Sundays when visitors can enjoy the new Santa Safari feature as well as the markets and car boot.

The park's generosity means Operation Covert will have a great promotional opportunity and the chance to sell its Christmas raffle tickets which carry top prizes of a £500 holiday Co-op Travel holiday voucher and a £250 Marks & Spencer voucher.

Wendy Jackson, the park's public relations officer, said: "The generosity shown by the local community towards Operation Covert has been overwhelming and the safari park is delighted to be able to join in and become involved with the project too".

Mark Woodward, site warden at Rhydd Covert, said: "As neighbours we have always had a good relationship with the safari park, and their imaginitive help will give Operation Covert a terrific boost.

"We hope people will support their new Christmas venture - and look forward to seeing some of them at our market stall over the next three Sundays."

l The Santa Safari will be open every weekend until December 16 and then daily until December 23.

Rudolph the reindeer is one of the star attractions and the famously red-nosed reindeer will be joined by friends, Blitzen, Donner and Dancer, as well as by Santa himself.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a host of other animal attractions, including flying bats, creepy crawlies and sealions.

Those intending to visit the Santa Safari are advised to pre-book by calling 01299 400700 or visiting www.santasafari.com