ONE of Dudley’s top attractions is giving a Black Country pantomime its magical sparkle this year after being announced as the local sponsor.

Dudley Zoological Gardens has teamed up with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to form a partnership which will see both companies work together in the run up to this Christmas' pantomime performance of Aladdin.

Derek Grove, Dudley Zoo director said: “We are excited to be joining forces with The Grand Theatre, a premier entertainment attraction on our doorstep, and look forward to working closely with them in the coming months.”

The Grand Theatre pantomime attracts thousands of families to Wolverhampton each year, as does a collection of the world’s rarest animals who find their home in the grounds of the 11th Century castle in Dudley.

Adrian Jackson, chief executive of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Dudley Zoological Gardens have come on board as the local sponsor for this year’s pantomime, Aladdin.

“As two of the leading leisure attractions in the Black Country I believe it is important to develop a close working relationship to showcase what both companies have to offer the local area.”

Aladdin will take to the Grand Theatre stage on Saturday December 10, and runs until Sunday January 22. Tickets are already available from www.grandtheatre.co.uk