FAMILIES can enjoy tea with Santa while helping to raise £100,000 to expand the big cat enclosure at Dudley Zoo.

The work, which includes doubling the size of the outdoor snow leopard enclosure and installing a new visitor viewing area and cat platform, is set to begin next year with the money raised through on-site fundraising efforts.

The festive fundraiser on December 10, will see Santa drop by to enjoy an evening meal with guests and hand out gifts to children.

Entertainment will be provided by the choir from Jesson's Church of England Primary School in Dudley.

Andrea Hales, the zoo's marketing manager, said: “This will be a great way to begin the Christmas countdown and promises to get everyone in the festive spirit, while also raising money for our endangered snow leopards.”

Tickets for the event, which runs from 5pm until 7.30pm, are priced £8.50 per adult and £12 for children over one, while a family of two adults and two children is £38.

Tickets for children under one, who won’t be eating, cost £5.

Places are limited and can be booked online at dudleyzoo.org.uk or by calling 01384 215313.